Viola "Vi" Baker, 95, Minot, died Tuesday, August 21, 2018 in a Bismarck Nursing Care Center.

Vi was born May 5, 1923 on the family farm near Lansford, North Dakota, the daughter of Carl and Florance (Hanson) Nelson. She grew up on the family farmstead and was educated at rural schools near Lansford, before graduating from Minot High School in 1941.

Vi was united in marriage to Lyle M. Baker on October 17, 1947 in Minot. They made their home in Minot throughout the years, where she was employed for 20 years as a bookkeeper with Westland Oil Company and as a financial secretary for First Lutheran Church from 1979-1985. She retired in 1985 and they enjoyed spending winters in Mesa, AZ. Lyle died on July 27, 2000. Vi continued to live in Minot until February 2018, when she moved to Bismarck to live nearer her daughter, son-in law and their family.

Vi was a longtime member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Minot and its Women's Circle group, Bible study groups and taught Sunday School. In addition, she was an avid bowler in both women's and couples' leagues and enjoyed playing bridge, traveling and reading.

Her loving family includes daughter, Lorie (Ron) Berndt, Bismarck, ND; grandchildren, Ethan (Caitlin Brown) Krueger and Calvin (Sydney Radermacher) Krueger; brother, Duane (Margaret) Nelson of Garrison, ND and sister in law, Pearl Nelson, Minot, ND.

Vi was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 52 years, Lyle; son, Ronald and brother, Harry.

Funeral service : 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 27, 2018 at St Paul's Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.
Visitation: Sunday, August 26, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials may be designated to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Minot.