LeAnn Baker Schack

LeAnn Karen Baker Schack of Lino Lakes passed away on July 23, 2023 in Grand Marais, Minnesota. LeAnn was born on the family farm in Ann Township, Cottonwood County, Minnesota to Anders and Lily Osman Anderson. She was the first baby delivered in the community by the newly arrived Doc Ferguson. From an early age she displayed her unique talents by excelling in art, music and academics. She was the valedictorian of her graduating class at Walnut Grove high school, after which she attended Augsburg College in Minneapolis, graduating with a degree in vocal music, with a minor in religion. LeAnn, a coloratura soprano, was a soloist for the Augsburg choir and toured with them across the United States in public performances including at the White House and Carnegie Hall. She also soloed many years at Sunday services at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Later, as a single mother, she attended the U of M and received her art degree, embarking on a career teaching in the Anoka-Hennepin school district.

This accomplished artist and musician is survived by her husband Steve Schack, her brother, Arlyn (Marsha) Anderson; nephew Drew (Ashley Hogenson) Anderson, grand-nephew Everett Anderson; her children; John (Dianne Rivers) Baker and Jill K.(Mike) Baker-Jueneman, stepchildren; Amy (Ron) Barrett, Rebecca Schack, and David Schack, granddaughters Victoria DesParois, Tiffany Schack and Alexandra Stanton; grandsons Justin (Jaci) Baker, Kyle Williams and Henry Schack; great-granddaughter Nadya Baker; great-grandson Dylan Stanton. We treasured our marriage and life together, and shared it with our families - grandkids especially - at our cabins in Croftville on Minnesota's North Shore.

Her mind and eyes were always filled with high ideals and the stars of creativity; her war with dementia caused them to fade, one by one, until there were but a few left, and now they have gone as well. Her long journey into that night is done. Sunset Memorial Chapel gathering from 3 to 5 pm July 30, with graveside service 11:30 am Monday, July 31. Memorials preferred to the Animal Humane Society.