Robert "Rob" David Baker

Robert (“Rob”) Baker, age 53, passed away peacefully to be with the Lord on March 5, 2026 at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, MN surrounded by his family. Rob was born on August 13, 1972, in Petoskey, MI to David and Susan Baker. Rob graduated from Rudyard High School in the class of 1991, earned his pilot’s license, and obtained his certificate in HVACR from Northern Michigan University. In 2000, he married the love of his life, Deidre, and they later welcomed their precious daughter, Brooke. Rob was known for his admirable work ethic, dedication, positivity, and generosity. A successful business owner, he ran his HVACR business, Rob’s Service & Sales, for over 20 years. He was skilled at helping customers troubleshoot over the phone, and had an impressive ability to manage many projects and tasks. Always open to new opportunities, he recently discovered great enjoyment out of sharing his knowledge with high schoolers in an HVACR class through Pickford’s CTE program. With a fun-loving, zestful approach to life, Rob found happiness in many hobbies: boating, jet-skiing, side-by-side rides, driving new cars, flying drones, hunting, and traveling. Rob also had an enthusiasm for the latest updates to technology. Above all, he particularly enjoyed sharing these hobbies and interests with loved ones and friends. Not only did Rob find good company in steady friendships, but he had a knack for making fast friends as well. Rob made sure to stay in close touch with his family and friends, always just a phone call away. Encouraging and trustworthy, he was both a supportive confidant and great listener to many. A true family man, Rob held his role as a devoted husband and adoring father very dear to his heart. Rob always kept “his girls” at the forefront of everything he did. He was a devoted provider and encourager, and never held back on his unconditional love for them. Rob continuously honored God through his good works, selfless love, and sincere faith. His steadfast relationship with the Lord gave him great strength as he navigated the difficulties of a cancer diagnosis, which he fought with tremendous grace, perseverance, and courage. A truly remarkable representation of strength, he never complained about the pain he experienced. His selfless desire was to lead people to the Lord by demonstrating unrelenting faith, even through challenging times. Rob is survived by his wife, Deidre (Smith) Baker; daughter, Brooke Baker; parents David and Susan (Pesenski) Baker; siblings Jaime Baker and Michael Baker; siblings’ children: 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 cousins and friends. Rob is preceded in death by grandparents Louis Pesenski; Arvie Stevens; Edward and Evelyn Baker; uncle, Louis Pesenski, Jr.; aunt, Pamela Tague; and parents in-law Gerald and Bertha Smith. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Family Life Funeral Homes, 4951 S. M-129, Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783, with a Memorial Service from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. The family would appreciate any tributes or stories shared later during the visitation. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 606 E. Fourth Ave., Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com. Obituary as submitted by family.

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Robert "Rob" David Baker

August 13, 1972 - March 5, 2026