Joseph Baker Sr., age 86, of Belcourt, ND passed away on Monday, January 24, 2022 at the Belcourt Hospital, Belcourt, ND.

Joseph Sylvester Baker. Sr., age 86, of Belcourt, ND passed away on Monday, January 24 ^th , 2022 at Belcourt hospital in Belcourt, ND surrounded by his loving family. He is finally home with his wife, Delima Baker.

Joseph Sylvester Baker was born on March 23, 1935 in Belcourt, ND to Patrick and Louise (Trochie) Baker. He was raised in Belcourt and attended Turtle Mountain Schools. Joseph enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Korean war and later received an honorable discharge. He was united in marriage to Delima Mary Enno on May 23, 1959. Together they raised two children, Carrie and Joseph Jr. Joseph was a loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and brother where he dedicated to his family and community. He worked as a concrete finisher on the missile silos near Minot, North Dakota. Joseph then was employed at Bureau of Indian Affairs road garage. It was then that he met and worked beside one of his best friends and future business partner, Frank Monette. They both set on a business venture and were in partnership in Turtle Mountain Well Drillers. Both Frank and Joseph built a successful company throughout the 1970s up to the 1990s.  Joseph also served proudly as a Rolette County Commissioner from 1989 to 2016.

Joe was the provider and took pride in his home and his family. He was a hard worker and provided for his family.  He enjoyed spending time visiting family and daily phone calls with his sister, Rita.  He often was brief in his conversations but was never afraid to hint around about Rita making his favorite rhubarb cake.  Joseph loved having company and had many visits over the years at the local pub. One of the joys of his life was his grandchildren. He enjoyed the laughter, telling stories and countless moments spending time with them. It was Joe's gift to all that knew him and that was to provide. His heart was full and his life was even more in filling everyone that knew him with joy, even if it was in his short-ended conversations.  In the later years of life, he enjoyed listening to country music, woodworking, puzzles, catching up with the daily news and taking pride in his garden that he planted with yearly.

Joseph is survived by his son, Joe Baker Jr. of Belcourt; sister, Rita (Richard) Langer; grandchildren; and his special friend, Sherrie Lee; and all his nieces and nephews.  Joseph is proceeded in death by his loving wife, Delima Mary Baker, daughter, Carrie Marie Baker, his parents, Louise and Patrick Baker, and siblings, Annie, Clarence, Agnes, Louis, Martin, Blanche, Morris, Joan and Henry.

Eulogy by Connie Baker.  Military Honors by the Lilley-Dionne American Legion Post #262 of Belcourt.  Casket Bearers are Alvin Poitra, Luke Baker, Delmar Youngbird, Leon Poitra Jr., Tom Baker, Brock Baker, and Stanley Parisien Jr.  Honorary Bearers are Joe Baker Jr., Larry Baker, Dean Halstengard, Larry Baker, and all nieces and nephews.  Music by Jerry Parisien, Blake Azure, and Terry Baker.  Readers are Rhonda Belgarde-Baker and Kirstine Baker.  Eucharistic Gifts by Lisa LaFountaine and Rose Johnson.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with a visitation beginning at 8:00 AM with Rosary Service at 9:00 AM prior to the funeral mass.  Burial will be in St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery in the spring.  Father Michael Slovak presiding.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.