Joelene Baker 05/11/2026

Joelene Olivia Baker was born on February 17, 1945, to Reverend Ehrenfried and Arlene Baker, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She transitioned out of the earthly world on May 11, 2026, while holding the hands of her children.

Joelene loved her family dearly and was able to spend a joyous day celebrating with all of her grandchildren, just nine days before her death. Joelene graduated from Cumberland High School, then Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. She moved many times throughout her life, with the wisdom that home is where you create it. She filled her home with carefully curated treasures to remind her of the people and places that meant the world to her and was always happy to share a story about any of those experiences.

Having spent her early career as a music and piano teacher, she ensured that everyone around her knew and appreciated the classics of Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach. She was a steadfast Swede and faithful ELCA Lutheran; proud of her heritage, traditions, and faith.

Her talent ran deep in everything from singing to writing, to organizing events (or Rubbermaid totes). She enjoyed good wine, soft cheese, and crusty bread with friends and family; and read about 50 novels a year, even as her vision declined.

Despite incredible health challenges (including surviving polio at age 4), Joelene faced each day with hope and bravery. She will be deeply missed, but we praise God for her release from daily pain and trust she is at peace – the hope to which she looked.

Joelene is preceded in death by her mother and father, and brother, David Baker. She is survived by her sister, Joy Griffin; daughter, Kari Jo Fore (spouse John Noye); son, Kirk Puotinen; grandchildren, Jamie Noye, Kate Noye (spouse Braden Taubenheim), Emily Stedillie-Noye (spouse Adynn Stedillie-Noye), Max Fore, Mattias Fore, Aiden Puotinen and Paige Puotinen; cousins, Joan and Mark (Pat); nieces and nephews; and 2 great-grandchildren.

This quote from a German Opera House hung on Joelene’s wall as one of her favorites:
Bach gave us God’s Word, Mozart gave us God’s Laughter,
Beethoven gave us God’s Fire,
God gave us Music that we might pray without words.

A memorial service for Joelene is being held on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 11:00AM at First Lutheran Church (218 County Rd K) New Richmond, Wisconsin with visitation beginning at 10:00AM. 

Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral and Cremation Services.