Lanny’s Obituary Lanny Baker, Sr., 84, died on Friday, May 10, 2019, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, SD, surrounded by his loving family. Lanny was born in Sioux Falls on May 17, 1934, to Alvin and Aleath (Sorenson) Baker. Over the course of his life, he was employed by Sunshine State Hatchery where he sold chickens to many regional farmers and Sunshine Foods as a produce truck driver.
In his retirement, Lanny brightened the lives of countless people by delivering flowers for local flower shops including Floral Two. Lanny met the love of his life, Bonnie Schulte, at Bob’s Drive-in on West 12th Street. They loved to roller-skate and dance together.
They married in 1952 and were blessed with five children. Above all, Lanny loved his family. He cherished spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
From his long-time home on Lincoln Avenue, Lanny kept track of what his family was doing, attended a multitude of their events, and was beyond proud of their collection of accomplishments. Lanny enjoyed being outdoors – especially going camping, riding his bike, and sitting on his back porch feeding the birds, rabbits, and squirrels. He was always intrigued by the happenings of his neighborhood and was diligent about reporting his observations to his family and friends.
Lanny was known for his quick wit and ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. He had a keen instinct for bartering, sales, and finding good deals. One of his proudest personal accomplishments was to be one of the first to complete the Dale Carnegie sales course.
Lanny is lovingly remembered by his four children: Barb (Arnie) Koopman, Pam (Tim) Homan, Lanny Jr. (Mary) Baker, and Jill (Todd) Headrick; eleven grandchildren: Jessica (Jarrod) Bakker, Pat (Carmen) Koopman, Fenecia Foster, Betsy (Matt) Schuster, Felix Homan, Ryan (Jess) Baker, Adam (Andrea) Baker, Abby (Derek) Bollig, Jenna (Jordan) Anderson, Bethany Headrick, and Christian Headrick; eleven great-grandchildren; and his cousin Harry (Elinor) Sorenson. Lanny was preceded in death by his wife Bonnie, his daughter Debbie, his parents, and his six siblings. As a child Lanny spent much time at the Great Plains Zoo where his dad was a zookeeper.
Thus the family requests that memorials in Lanny’s honor be given to the Great Plains Zoo. Visitation for Lanny will be at Heritage Funeral Home on Monday, May 13, 2019, from 12:00- 7:00 p.m. with family present from 4:00-7:00 p.m. to greet guests. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at 11:30 a.m. at West Side Lutheran Church, 3901 N. Oklahoma Ave, Sioux Falls, SD.
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