Jerry Baker, 84 of Oskaloosa, Iowa passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at his residence.  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 15, beginning at 10:30 am at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in What Cheer.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 14, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Holland-
Coble Funeral Home in What Cheer.  Burial will be held in the Indianapolis Cemetery near What Cheer.  Memorials may be designated to the Indianapolis Cemetery.  Holland-Coble Funeral Home of What Cheer is in charge of the arrangements.

Jerry Dennis Baker, the son of Ivan and Mildred (Junkins) Baker and Alice (Lloyd) Baker was born on April 4, 1940 in Oskaloosa, Iowa.  Jerry's mother passed away at a young age and he was cared for by his grandparents and big sister, Janet.  Jerry attended and graduated from Tri-County South High School in 1958. Jerry was united in marriage to Nancy Wilhite and to this union one daughter was born, Kelly Jo.  They later divorced.  Jerry joined the United States Marines in 1966 and was honorably discharged in 1968.  On July 7, 1968, Jerry was united in marriage to Marilyn Longerbeam Mercer and this marriage brought four sons, Ken, Kirk, Rick and Lynn.  Two daughters joined this union, Janet and Kris.  They were married for 21 years.  Jerry farmed beside his father.  They had row crops, cattle and hogs until the farm was put into the CRP program.  Jerry then went to work for Louis Rich in Sigourney until his retirement.  He resided on the farm until he moved to Oskaloosa to help care for his father, Ivan.

Jerry enjoyed college sports and especially the Hawkeye Women's basketball.  He was a people person and loved telling stories.  He was a proud veteran, enjoyed listening to the Blues, always wanted to be a professional gambler, and loved his family.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents; his sons, Kirk and Lynn Mercer; and brother-in-law, Michael Papian.

Jerry is survived by his sons, Ken (Sharon) Mercer and Rick (Barb) Mercer; his daughters, Kelly (Doug) Tish, Janet (Jon) Hurd and Kris Giovannini; his sister, Janet Baker Papian; his grandchildren, Kimberly Mercer, Ryan Mercer, Eric (Carrie) Mercer,  Brook (Eddie)  Lust, Leanna (Adam)  Sanders, Nicholas (Christine)  Mercer, Jessica Mercer, John Ivan Giovannini, Andrew Giovannini, and Hunter Giovannini;  several Great Grandchildren; as well as many other relatives and friends.