Michael D Baas

Mike was born in Iowa City, IA, baptized and grew up in, IA along with 6 brothers and sisters.

Mike graduated from Northwest Missouri State University. He married Karen Horn in 1988 at

Jehovah Lutheran Church, St. Paul, MN after a short six-month engagement. They lived in St. Paul

for 5 years until they moved to Stevens Point, WI so that Mike could get a full-time position with

Federal Express where he started his career of 29 years. Karen and Mike moved back to Minnesota

to be closer to family and friends after 2 years. They found a beautiful home on Rice Lake where

they resided for 22 years and found more enjoyment together fishing, hunting and golfing. Mike had

created multiple gardens full of flowers and a large vegetable garden which he enjoyed taking care of,

his pride & joy. Everyone commented on how beautiful our lawn was, it looked like a park. Mike

retired from Federal Express after 29 years at the early age of 61. We moved to Avon Park where they

quickly found their church home at Faith Lutheran Church, Sebring, they also found their dream home.

Mike continued his enjoyment of keeping his lawn like a park. Mike kept surprising Karen with planting

new flowers and trees to make a beautiful setting while putting a smile on her face. Mike quickly found a

job working at Highland's Ridge Golf course as a Cart guy, but more so he gained multiple friendships

due to his outgoing and lovable personality. Many lives have been touched with his positive outlook and

joking demeanor, Mike always had a smile to share. Mike enjoyed life in every aspect, always made

people laugh at his jokes, he stirred the pot, but yet kindly spoke of all. He was truly loved by every life

he came in contact with both at church and on the golf course. Mike enjoyed golfing at least 3 times a

week where he had stated “he thinks he has this game figured out” and was shooting just a few over par.

Mike talked about joining the Sebring Old Man softball team at age 62, but never had a chance to do so.

Mike is survived by his soul mate and best friend of 32 years Karen. Also, his mother Mary, and six

siblings, Steven (Shelley) of Waukee, IA, David (Marty) of Des Moines, IA, Kathleen (Mike) of

Weslaco, TX, Karen of Farmington, MN, Robert of Maplewood, MN, Brian (Jamie) of Bondurant, IA

and numerous nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, William (Bill) and his brother, John also Lois Horn, Karen’s

mother whom Mike adored.

Mike will be undeniably missed as a best friend and wonderful husband as well as a devoted son in law,

brother in law and uncle along with many countless lives that Mike has touched during his short-lived life.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 15, 2020 at 3:00 PM at Faith Lutheran Church,  2740 Lakeview Drive, Sebring.

The family request that in lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions be made to Faith Lutheran Church at www.faithlutheransebring.org  

PLEASE NO FLOWERS!