William "Bill" Baker

William Dickinson Baker

July 8, 1935 - May 30, 2026

William Dickinson Baker of St. Paul, Minnesota, passed into Eternal Life on May 30, 2026, at the age of 90. Born in Winchester, Virginia, Bill was the son of William Woodhull Baker, Sr. and Mary Bryson Smith Baker. He graduated from John Handley High School in 1953, and attended the University of Virginia before proudly serving his country in the United States Army. Much of his military service was spent in Orléans, France. Following his service, Bill completed his education at Randolph-Macon College, where he earned a degree in History.

An early career position with 3M in the printing business brought him to St. Paul, Minnesota. Bill spent much of his professional career with National Car Rental.

In Minnesota, Bill soon met the love of his life, Joan Louise Knippenberg. They were married for nearly 60 years and built a life centered on faith, family, and community. His strong Christian faith inspired a lifetime of volunteer service at Central Lutheran School and St. Stephanus Lutheran Church in St. Paul, where he formed many cherished and lasting friendships.

A student of history throughout his life, Bill’s fascination with America’s past was deeply influenced by his Virginia family's early American roots. He also enjoyed traveling, skiing, and creating treasured memories with family at Blue Lake. He was enormously proud of his grandsons. Bill thoroughly enjoyed discussions and good conversation with family and friends as well as the companionship of his beloved dogs.

Avid sports fans, Bill and Joan held Minnesota Gophers football season tickets for over twenty years, rarely missing a home game. When he wasn't rooting for the Gophers, Bill closely followed the Vikings, Twins, and Timberwolves—though he always kept a close eye on Wisconsin Badger football, happily embracing the local rivalry.

Bill is survived by his wife, Joan; his son, Daniel Baker (Stephanie); his daughter, Julie Rieth (Michael); his grandsons, Joshua and Jack Rieth. Bill is further survived by his sister, Elizabeth Hopkins (Robert) and sisters-in-law Laurie Giff (Larry) and Linda Tierney (the late Gordon) along with numerous nieces and nephews. Bill is preceded in death by his brother, William Woodhull Baker (Phyllis).

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 19, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Mueller-Bies Funeral Home, in Roseville. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 20, at 11:00 a.m. at Emmaus Lutheran Church, 1074 Idaho Avenue West, St. Paul, Minnesota, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Emmaus Lutheran Church, Concordia Academy, Disabled American Veterans Minnesota Foundation, or American Heart Association.

“Bill will be remembered for his quiet faith, appreciation for the lessons of history, devotion to his family, his kind and gentle nature, and the joy he found in life.”

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