Mass of Christian Burial for Russell Baker, 58, was held Tuesday, December 18, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Rose Catholic Church in Omaha, Nebraska, followed by interment at 3:00 p.m. at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Manilla, Iowa. A visitation was held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 17, 2007, with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. at Bethany Funeral Home in LaVista.

Russell, son of Harold and Mildred Baker, was born November 29, 1949, in Atlantic, Iowa. He graduated from Manning Community High School in 1969. Russell served in the U.S. Navy from 1970-1979, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Mildred Baker.

He is survived by his wife Barbara (Muhlbauer); children: Theresa Baker of Greenfield, Iowa, Bob (Dawnielle) Baker of Branson, Missouri, Katie Baker of LaVista, and David (Angela) Baker of Omaha, Nebraska; brothers: Chuck (Mel) Baker of Tampa Florida, Randy (Kathy) Baker of LeGrand, Iowa; sisters: Marilyn Nelson of Elkhorn, Iowa, JoAnn (Gary) Parker of Columbus, Nebraska, Bev (Larry) Mundt of Ft. Worth, Texas, and Sue Greene of Norfolk, Nebraska; 51 nieces and nephews.

Bethany Funeral Home in LaVista, Nebraska, was in charge of arrangements.