DeLoss Bruce Baker

DeLoss Bruce Baker, 96, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026, in Mason City, IA. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 2 p.m., at Christ’s Church, 710 N Kentucky Ave., with Pastor Curt Gallmeyer officiating. Interment will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery. A visitation will be held an hour prior to the service time on Saturday.

DeLoss was born on November 10, 1929, to Roy and Ethlyn Baker in Nora Springs, IA. He graduated from Nora Springs High School in 1948. On December 11 of that year, he married Darlene Luella Reckard. Together, they shared 62 years of marriage and raised seven children.

DeLoss enlisted in the United States Navy for a six-year term and moved to San Diego, CA. He was honorably discharged after three years as part of an early-discharge program. He often joked that President Harry Truman did not have enough money to pay the service members, so they were offered the opportunity to leave the Navy early.

After returning to IA, DeLoss worked several jobs before beginning a 38-year career with IP&E/Interstate Power Company, from which he retired. He also built several homes after returning to IA, including the final home in which they lived for 67 years.

A talented craftsman, DeLoss built captain-style beds for all his grandchildren, along with numerous other pieces of furniture. He enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends and took pride in having visited all 50 states.

DeLoss was a founding member of the Church of Christ, now Christ's Church. A faithful servant, he held numerous leadership positions, including elder, trustee, and camp trustee. He was also a member of the Odd Fellows, served on the board of the I.O.O.F. Home, and was treasurer for PM Park in Clear Lake.

DeLoss and Darlene were the parents of seven children: Dianne (Richard) Mace of O'Neill, NE; Bruce Baker-deceased, (Cindy); Stephen (Charlene) Baker of Solon, IA; Debra Norton of Maple Grove, Minnesota; Rebecca Ricca-deceased (Rick), of San Diego, CA; Janet (Scott) Queckboerner of Urbandale, IA; and Linda (Douglas) Miller of Mason City, IA.

He is survived by his 17 grandchildren: Michael Mace, Tracy Bye, Jennifer Zahorik, Jeff Wilcox (deceased), Briana Norton, Sarah Norton, Megan LaForce, Vanessa Norton, Jeanna Norton, Tarah Hamlyn, Evan Schultz, Jordan Queckboerner, Jared Queckboerner, Cassandra Miller Georgakopoulos, Joel Miller, Audrey Prevost, Braden Ricca. Also survived by 16 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Among the many who preceded DeLoss in death were his beloved wife of 62 years, Darlene Baker; his son, Bruce Baker; and his daughter, Rebecca Ricca.

DeLoss will be remembered for his faithful service, skilled craftsmanship, devotion to family, and a long life filled with hard work, travel, and love.