Baker, Richard N.

Richard N. Baker, 84, of Hiawatha, former longtime resident of Iowa City, died Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids. Private family services have been held in Iowa City, with entombment at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Richard was born Aug. 7, 1926, in Des Moines. Growing up in Granger, he attended school there, graduating from high school. He later attended the DeVry Institute of Technology in Chicago. During World War II he served in the United States Navy. On July 31, 1949, he married Lavonne A. Hitsman from Madrid, Iowa. The couple moved to Iowa City, where Richard was associated with the University of Iowa, and was vice president for many years at Communication Engineering.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Iowa City and a longtime member of the Masons.

For those who knew Richard, you knew a man who deeply loved his family, a man of enormous generosity, a man who enjoyed taking just that right picture, a man who couldn't say no to the sweets, and a man who enjoyed traveling extensively in the United States and Europe.

His family includes his two children, Larry (Beth) Baker and LuAnn (John) Paulet; two grandchildren, Carrie and Scott Rupp; sister, Jean Digman; and his very special friend for many years, Gloria Seifert.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lavonne; and four siblings.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Richard's memory to St. Luke's Hospice.

Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web at

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Richard's family and his arrangements.