Jean H. Baker

Jean H. Baker, age 93, of Winona, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Sauer Health Care in Winona.

She was born on April 7, 1932, in Winona, to James and Marian (Newman) Jordan, and graduated from Winona High School in 1950. Jean was united in marriage with Thad Kwolik in 1952, and while living in Detroit, MI, they had four children, moving to Minnesota in 1964. Jean and Thad later divorced. On July 4, 1976, Jean married Richard Baker in Winona, and he preceded her in death in 2014.

Jean was employed for many years with Lake Center Industries in Winona as their H.R. salary and benefits coordinator, retiring in 1994.

Jean was an avid reader who also enjoyed knitting and crocheting, and with her sister, Ruth, she owned and operated The Yarn Barn Store in Winona. She lovingly made many prayer shawls for her church and baby clothes for Birthright. In retirement, Jean and Dick enjoyed traveling, especially trips in their RV and to Branson, MO, and she was able to make four memorable journeys to Ireland.

Jean had a deep devotion to her faith and was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Winona. She was also a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Winona Court #191 for many years. Her greatest joy in life was her family, and she especially cherished the time spent with her children and grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her the most.

Jean is lovingly survived by her children: Carol (Eric) Saecker, David (Chris) Kwolik, Barbara (Bryce) Courrier, and James (Barbara) Kwolik; grandchildren: Joshuah (Craig) Kwolik, James (Ashley) Kwolik, Jordan (Amy) Kwolik, Johnathan Kwolik, Bethany (Scott) Glatczak, Rebecca (Fred) Scaife, Alexander Courrier, and Christopher Kwolik; great-grandchildren: JR and Eli Kwolik; and Eowyn, Cirdan, and Peregrin Glatczak; step-children: Michael (Betsy) Baker and Barbara Wenz; step-grandchildren: Jennifer (Dan) Groenewold, Michaela (Kenton) McClelland and Matthew (Julia) Baker; several step-greatgrandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husbands; parents; sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Richard Holdorf; and a brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Nancy Jordan, Sr.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 AM on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Winona. Fr. Russell Scepaniak will officiate. Jean will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be held in the Commons of St. Mary’s Church on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 9 AM until the time of the Mass. Following the burial, a luncheon will be held in Marian Hall of St. Mary's Church.

Jean’s family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to Callista Court, Sauer Health Care, and Winona Health Hospice for the wonderful and loving care she received. They also appreciate the care and friendship of the volunteers of St. Mary’s Church for their faithful visits to Jean over the years.

Memorials may be directed to Callista Court, Sauer Health Care, Winona Health Hospice, or to St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Jean’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.