Phillip "Phil" R. Baker

Phillip “Phil” R. Baker, 71, of Fort Dodge, IA, died Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Regional Medical Center. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family. Arrangements are with Historic Bruce Funeral Home of Fort Dodge. 

Phil is survived by his wife of 21 years: Cindy Baker of Fort Dodge; sons: Shawn Baker and wife Melissa of Urbandale, IA, Chris Baker and significant other Adrienne Peters of Fort Dodge, Mike Mericle and wife Jessica of Humboldt, IA and Scott Mericle of Fort Dodge; sister: Sherry Wilson and husband Lefty; step-mother: Mary Baker; 13 grandchildren; and 2 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Bob and Betty Baker; brother: Michael Baker; brother-in-law: Bill Winkler; and sister-in-law: Jeanette Holstein.

Phillip Rodney Baker was born January 4, 1955, in Cherokee, IA. He graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High in 1973. Phil proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1974 – 1976. He worked for Levien Chevrolet, Nestle Purina and Hart Construction in subsequent years and most recently Briggs Woods Golf Course. On November 20, 2004, he was united in marriage to Cindy (Winkler) in Fort Dodge. Phil enjoyed golfing, having a cold one with his buddies and riding his motorcycle. He was a member of Lakeside Municipal Golf Course.