Duane Baker Sr., age 59, of Belcourt, ND passed away on Friday, April 30, 2021 at his home.

Duane Baker, Sr. was born on September 11, 1961 to George "Rabbit" and Mary (Marcellais) Baker. He was raised in Belcourt and attended Wahpeton Indian School. Duane became a very good welder which was how he supported his family. During his lifetime he worked various welding jobs throughout the areas. He worked for Lunseth Plumbing for some time before moving back to the Belcourt area. Duane met Carleen Jerome and later moved to Arizona where he lived for a short time. In 1988, they moved to El Centro, California where they both worked at a GeoThermal Plant. Duane's sister, Rosie, lived in Bakersfield and they moved from El Centro to Bakersfield for a short time and then returned home to Belcourt. In November of 1990, Daune married Carleen and they made their home in Belcourt. During their relationship they raised three children, Duane Jr. "Duie", Heather "HB", and Dakota "Koda." Their marriage later ended in 2003.

Duane enjoyed being outdoors visiting with friends, playing cards and gambling at the local casino, and also playing pool. He also liked to watch his favorite team, the Vikings. Duane will be lovingly remembered and missed by his family and friends.

Duane is survived by his sons, Duane Jr. and Dakota, and daughter, Heather Baker, all of Dunseith; granddaughter's, NovaLei and NayaLei Baker, Sawyer Racine, and Alli Peltier; grandson's, Joe and Paxton Belgarde and Christopher Gillis III; brothers, John "Johnny" Baker of St. John, Robert "Bobby" Baker of Belcourt, and Richard "Ricky" Baker of Dunseith; and sisters, Darlene Keplin and Marilyn Danks, both of Belcourt.

Duane was preceded in death by his mother and father, brothers, George, Frank, and Raymond Baker, sisters, Angela "Rosie" and Theresa "Cha-Cha" Baker, and many aunts, uncles, and relatives.

Casket Bearers are Dakota Baker, Duane Baker Jr., Jason "JB" Baker, Erick Keplin, Cole Jerome, and Eric Poitra. Honorary Bearers are all family and friends. Eulogy by Madonna Marcellais. Readers are Melissa Vallie and Stacey Baker. Special music by Chad and Roland Marcellais and Craig Lunday.

A visitation will begin at 6:00 PM on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with a Rosary Service at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 7, 2021 at 10:00 AM in the church with Fr. Fred Alexander presiding. Burial will follow in St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery, Belcourt, ND.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.