Robert Baker

Robert Baker, known affectionately as Rob, age 53, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, surrounded by his family. Born on August 13, 1972, in Petoskey, Michigan, to David and Susan Baker, Rob graduated from Rudyard High School in 1991. He earned his pilot’s license and a certificate in HVACR from Northern Michigan University. In 2000, he married the love of his life, Deidre, and together they welcomed their daughter, Brooke.

Rob built a successful HVACR business, Rob’s Service & Sales, which he operated for more than twenty years. Colleagues and customers admired his strong work ethic, dedication, positivity, and generosity. He had a remarkable ability to troubleshoot problems over the phone and manage multiple projects with ease. In recent years, he found deep satisfaction sharing his expertise with high school students in the HVACR program through Pickford’s CTE initiative. Rob approached life with enthusiasm and joy, finding happiness in boating, jet-skiing, riding side-by-sides, driving new cars, flying drones, hunting, and traveling. He stayed current with technology and especially loved sharing these interests with family and friends.

A devoted family man, Rob cherished his roles as husband and father above all else. He kept Deidre and Brooke at the center of his world, providing for them, encouraging them, and offering his unconditional love without reservation. He maintained close connections with family and friends, always ready with a phone call, a listening ear, and steadfast support. Rob lived his faith sincerely, honoring God through his good works, selfless love, and quiet strength. Even after receiving a cancer diagnosis, he faced his illness with remarkable grace, perseverance, and courage, never complaining and hoping to lead others through his example of unwavering trust.

Rob is survived by his wife, Deidre (Smith) Baker; daughter, Brooke Baker; parents David and Susan (Pesenski) Baker; siblings Jaime Baker and Michael Baker; nieces and nephews Trevor Quinn, Brea Quinn, Zachary Brewster, Tanner Baker, and Trenton Baker; grandmother Faye Stevens; uncle Pat Tague; siblings-in-law Bridget Beatty and Mike Smith; and many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Louis Pesenski, Arvie Stevens, Edward and Evelyn Baker; uncle Louis Pesenski, Jr.; aunt Pamela Tague; and parents-in-law Gerald and Bertha Smith.