Lyle Baker

Lyle Baker, 93, of Mesa, Ariz., formerly of Devils Lake, N.D., died peacefully on Sept. 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Churchs Ferry, N.D., to Albert and Eva Baker, Lyle spent his early years in the Devils Lake area and graduated from Devils Lake High School in 1951.

Following graduation, Lyle worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad before answering his nation’s call to serve in the U.S. Army. In 1953, he was deployed to Trieste, Italy, during the Korean War. After returning home, he began a long and dedicated career with the United States Postal Service in 1955, while continuing to serve in the North Dakota National Guard.

In 1960, Lyle married Wilma Schemionek and became stepfather to Jeanette. Together they grew their family with the arrival of their daughter, Eva, and son, Dale. In 1985, he married Agatha Holien, who preceded him in death in 2012.

Service to his country and community remained among Lyle’s greatest sources of pride throughout his life. He was a member of Neathery-Simenson VFW Post 756, where he served as a lifetime member of the Color Guard – proudly donning the uniform one final time at age 81. He was also a life member of Elks Lodge #1216 and the American Legion. His dedication to veterans and fellow service members reflected his deep commitment to serving others.

After decades of service with the Postal Service, Lyle embraced retirement with the same enthusiasm he brought to every stage of life. Golf became one of his favorite pastimes, and after visiting friends in Mesa, Ariz., in 1997, he discovered a second home in the desert. He became a snowbird, eventually making Mesa his permanent home in 2010.

Lyle was an active member of the Apache Wells community, where he worked on the golf course and served on the Beautification Committee until the very end. He loved to socialize and especially enjoyed bowling, billiards, golf, cards, dominoes, and a good potluck.

Family was very important to Lyle, who made reunions an absolute priority and was known for picking up the phone to check on relatives he hadn’t heard from in a while. Nothing brought him greater joy than having his entire family take over his Arizona home for winter vacations, filling the house with laughter, stories, and fond memories.

The final chapter of Lyle’s life was enriched by his relationship with Patricia Yaeger. The two shared 13 years of love, laughter, and companionship.

Lyle is survived by his daughter, Eva (Dean) Fercho of Casselton, N.D.; stepdaughter, Jeanette (George) Kueneman of Lander, Wyo.; his partner, Patricia Yaeger of Mesa, Ariz.; grandchildren, Tracy Frank of West Fargo, N.D., Steven (Gina) Fercho of Duluth, Minn., Daniel Fercho (fiancée Johanna Portillo) of Fargo, N.D., Kelsey (Zach) Smith of Fargo, N.D., and G.W. Kueneman of Lander, Wyo.; great-grandchildren, Caitlin, Breckin, Chaz, Amina, and Miles; honorary family members Shelly and Jerry Raucci and family of Mesa, Ariz.; as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Eva Baker; stepmother, Edna Baker; wife, Agatha Baker; son, Dale Baker; sister, Vonnie King; granddaughter, Kris Kueneman; great-granddaughter, Lilly Kueneman; and stepsiblings, Clare, Dean, Jerome and Sonja Dahlen.

A memorial service will be held Friday, Oct. 23, at Apache Wells Community Church in Mesa. Additional details, including service time as well as burial arrangements in Devils Lake will be announced when available.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Ethos Hospice caregivers and staff for their compassionate and excellent care during Lyle’s final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to Neathery-Simenson VFW Post 756 (Devils Lake) or Ethos Hospice in Lyle’s honor.

Lyle’s life was defined by service, friendship, family, and an unwavering commitment to staying connected with the people he loved. His kindness, loyalty, sense of humor, and welcoming spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him, by golly.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lyle Baker, please visit our floral store.