Charlene Marie Baker

Charlene Marie Baker, age 86, of Scranton, IA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 5, 2026 at Unity Point - Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines surrounded by family.

Funeral services will be held at the Scranton United Methodist Church at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, July 9, 2026 with Rev. Kevin Evers officiating. Casket bearers will be Kyle Baker, Michael Jenkins, Megan Jenkins, Sam Baker, Emily Baker, and Jon Baker. Burial will be in the Scranton Township Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Scranton on Wednesday from 5-7 P.M. The casket will be moved to the Scranton United Methodist Church at 9:30 A.M. on Thursday where visitation will resume until 10:15 A.M. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested for a later designation.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Scranton and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com

Charlene was born on February 25, 1940 in Eagle Grove, IA. She was the daughter of Marvin and Bernice (Butz) Johnson. She grew up in Eagle Grove where she graduated from high school in 1958. She worked as a legal secretary until she began teaching in Jefferson. She attended the University of Northern Iowa. She was married to Duane Baker on July 1, 1962 at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eagle Grove. The couple made their home in Scranton and purchased a farm northwest of town. She was a stay at home mom until her kids were old enough for her to resume her teaching career at Paton – Churdan. Charlene earned her master’s degree in special education from Drake University commuting between Scranton and Des Moines while working and raising a family. She enjoyed taking bus trips to the casinos, shopping with her sisters, playing cards, baking, socializing with her friends, and most of all spending time with her family. Charlene and Duane enjoyed wintering in Arizona for many years.

Charlene is survived by her children and their families: Jeff Baker (Rhonda) of Scranton, Jon Baker (Amy) of Scranton, and Juli Jenkins (Jeff) of West Des Moines; six grandchildren: Justin Baker (Sammy), Kyle Baker (Heather), Michael Jenkins, Megan Jenkins, Sam Baker, and Emily Baker; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law: Romayne Baker (Daly) of Chicago and Donnie Baker of Montana; a sister-in-law Gwen Johnson of Eagle Grove; and several nieces and nephews.

Charlene was preceded in death by her husband Duane in 2021; her parents Marvin and Bernice Johnson; her mother-in-law Josephine Baker; her father-in-law Donald Baker (Cleo); three sisters: Virginia Parrish (Raymond), Dolores Wergeland (Marvin), and Marlene Vorland (Kenny); three brothers: Marvin Johnson, Bernard Johnson (Marlene), and John Johnson (Joyce) and a sister-in-law Mary Baker.