Duane Ellis Baker, aged 85, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2025 in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was born on November 29, 1939 in Hot Springs, South Dakota to Ellis Ellsworth Baker and Opal Alberta (Mankin). He was a 1958 graduate of Scottsbluff High School and a 1962 graduate of the University of Wyoming. Duane married his treasured wife Julia Ann (Cyr) on December 25, 1963 in Lincoln, Nebraska. He graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical School in June 1968, and spent his career as a physician helping to heal many people. In Arizona, he worked in Family and General Practice from 1969-1981. In Grand Island, Nebraska, he worked as an Emergency Room doctor from 1981-1990, and then worked as a geriatrics physician at the Nebraska Veteran’s Home from 1991-2002. Duane retired in 2002. He and Julie enjoyed traveling together and took many trips, including to Alaska, Hawaii, the Holy Lands, and many places in the US. Duane was an avid gardener, musician, and woodworker. He played both the piano and trombone. As a talented woodworker, he made beautiful pieces for the members of his family. In 2007, he and Julie decided to make the move to Lincoln, Nebraska to be in the same city as children and grandchildren.
Duane deeply loved his Savior, his “Jules”, and his family. He was incredibly proud of all of them. He is survived by his wife, Julia; his younger sister Alice Jean Edwards; his younger brother David Baker who is married to Julia’s sister Ruth; his children Ty (Chanée) Baker, Trent (Robin) Baker, Troy (Katie) Baker, and Tarese (Phillip) Quelle; and his grandchildren Micah Baker, Lydia (Ethan) Robertson, Caleb (Klaire) Baker, Delaney Baker, Levi Baker, Hannah Quelle, Nolan Baker, William Quelle, and Josie Baker. He will be greatly missed.
Duane’s memorial service will be on Monday February 17 at 10 am at Heartlands Church, 10000 Yankee Hill Rd., Lincoln, Nebraska. In lieu of flowers, please give any memorials in Duane’s name to Nebraska Youth Camp or the Lincoln Pregnancy Center.
Julia, Ty and Chanee, Trent and Robyn, Troy and Katie, Tarese and Phillip, and Grandchildren,
May God uplift you and give you strength in the days ahead.
You remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Jerry and Sharon Bady