MASON CITY — DeLoss Bruce Baker, 96, of Mason City, a United States Navy veteran, skilled craftsman and devoted church servant, passed away peacefully Sunday, August 9, 2026, in Mason City.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Christ’s Church, 710 N. Kentucky Avenue in Mason City, with Pastor Curt Gallmeyer officiating.
Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday at the church.
DeLoss will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City.
He was born November 10, 1929, in Nora Springs to Roy and Ethlyn Baker. After graduating from Nora Springs High School in 1948, DeLoss married Darlene Luella Reckard on December 11 of that year.
The couple shared 62 years of marriage and raised seven children.
DeLoss enlisted in the United States Navy for a six-year commitment and moved to San Diego. He received an honorable discharge after three years under an early-release program.
He later joked that President Harry Truman lacked enough money to continue paying service members, so some sailors were given an opportunity to leave the Navy early.
After returning to Iowa, DeLoss held several jobs before beginning a 38-year career with IP&E, later known as Interstate Power Company. He remained with the company until his retirement.
DeLoss also constructed several houses, including the family home where he and Darlene lived for 67 years.
His abilities extended to fine woodworking and furniture making. DeLoss built captain-style beds for each of his grandchildren and created numerous other pieces that became treasured family keepsakes.
Traveling to visit relatives and friends brought him great enjoyment. DeLoss took pride in having visited all 50 states.
Faith remained central throughout his life. DeLoss was a founding member of the Church of Christ, now known as Christ’s Church.
He served the congregation in numerous leadership roles, including elder, trustee and camp trustee.
DeLoss was also a member of the Odd Fellows, served on the board of the I.O.O.F. Home and acted as treasurer for PM Park in Clear Lake.
DeLoss and Darlene became the parents of Dianne and Richard Mace of O’Neill, Nebraska; Bruce Baker and his wife, Cindy; Stephen and Charlene Baker of Solon; Debra Norton of Maple Grove, Minnesota; Rebecca Ricca and her husband, Rick, of San Diego; Janet and Scott Queckboerner of Urbandale; and Linda and Douglas Miller of Mason City.
He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
DeLoss was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene; son Bruce Baker; daughter Rebecca Ricca; grandson Jeff Wilcox; and other loved ones.
His family and friends will remember a life marked by hard work, skilled craftsmanship, steadfast faith, service to others and deep devotion to those he loved.
Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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