SHELLEY R. BAKER

Shelley R. Baker, 57, of Janesville, Wisconsin, formerly of Cherokee, Iowa, passed unexpectedly away on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Cherokee, Iowa, with Pastor Alan Cummins officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Cemetery in Larrabee, Iowa. Visitation with the family present will be Friday, March 6, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Boothby Funeral Home, 207 E. Main Street, Cherokee, Iowa.

Shelley was born on July 8, 1968, in Cherokee, Iowa, to Gary and Joanne (Bengtson) Jahn. She grew up in Cherokee and graduated from Cherokee High School in 1986. Following high school, she attended Faust Cosmetology School, earning her nail technician degree and beginning a career that reflected her love for people and conversation. Over the years, she also worked at Dairy Queen, Continental Deli Foods, Jessie’s Fine Meats, and Super 8 Motel. Shelley was also the proud owner and operator of Uptown Tanning in Cherokee for several years.

On August 20, 1994, Shelley was united in marriage to Steve Baker. Together they built a life filled with laughter, friendships, and family with their two beautiful daughters, Shelby and Jennifer, who she loved deeply. In 2014, they moved to Janesville, Wisconsin, where they made their home for the past 12 years. No matter where she worked, Shelley formed lasting friendships. She also gave her time, volunteering at Mid-Sioux Opportunities in Cherokee and Echo in Janesville. Helping others came naturally to her.

Shelley had an infectious, quirky personality that never failed to leave an impression. She truly never met a stranger. Whether someone was a lifelong friend or someone she had just met, Shelley welcomed them with warmth and enthusiasm. She was the true definition of a social butterfly.

She loved her dogs deeply and had a soft heart for all animals. If there was a pet in need, Shelley found room in her home and heart. She enjoyed collecting unicorns, watching scary movies, attending meat raffles in Wisconsin, and going out to meet new people. She had a gift for making ordinary moments fun and memorable. Above all else, she treasured time spent with her daughters, family, and friends. Her greatest joy was being surrounded by those she loved.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Steve Baker of Janesville, Wisconsin; her daughters, Shelby Baker and significant other Tristen Adams of Iowa Falls, Iowa, Jennifer Baker-Watson and husband Justin Watson of Janesville, Wisconsin; her mother, Joanne Burgeson of Cherokee, Iowa; her father, Gary (Beverly) Jahn of Loveland, Colorado; her siblings, Debbie Nelson of Cherokee, Iowa, and Scott (Robin Daisy) Jahn; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Joan and Jerome Baker of Holstein, Iowa; her sisters-in-law, Debbie (Brian) Friedrichsen of Holstein, Iowa, and Christine Baker of Terril, Iowa; her brother-in-law, Dan (Cyndi) Baker of Eagle, Idaho; her aunts and uncles, Janice Woodall of Cherokee, Iowa, Judy (Larry) Timmins of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Jerry (Carolyn) Bengtson of Larrabee, Iowa, Peggy Carr of Denver, Colorado, Freddie Jahn of Boulder, Colorado, Jaxine Jahn of Denver, Colorado, Debbie Anderson of Littleton, Colorado; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

Shelley was preceded in death by her grandparents, Joyce and Clarence Bengtson and Elsie and Fred Jahn; and her brother-in-law, David Baker.

Shelley’s memory will live on in the stories told, the laughter shared, and the love she freely gave. Though she may be gone from our sight, she will never be gone from our hearts.