Jeri Baker, 70 years of Oakland, Nebraska, passed away on May 2, 2026, at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska.
Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, May 6, at 2 pm at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oakland. Luncheon will be held in Left Field at the Burt County Fairgrounds. Visitation will be Tuesday, from 4-8 pm with family receiving friends from 5-8 pm at First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Burial Oakland Cemetery. Pelan Funeral Services of Oakland is assisting the family with arrangements.
Jeri L. Baker, born January 18, 1956 to Merle and K. Ann Johnson in Oakland, Nebraska. She grew up on a farm south of Craig. She attended Alder Grove Country School until 7th grade and then transferred to Oakland-Craig in 8th grade. Jeri was a member of Alder Grove Church. She attended Oakland-Craig high school, graduating in 1974. On May 2, 2026 Jeri went to be with the Lord after an unexpected medical emergency.
Jeri lived a life that cannot be measured in years alone, but in the countless hearts she touched, the laughter she sparked, and the love she gave so freely. She passed leaving behind a legacy stitched together with kindness, resilience, and just the right amount of mischief.
Proud to her core to be a “Craig Girl,” Jeri carried that identity with a spark of hometown pride and a spirit that never wandered far from her roots. She blossomed from a precious country bumpkin to a true Craig girl with the help of her best friend, Barb. She loved her family fiercely and without reservation—an anchor, a cheerleader, and, when needed, a gentle (or not-so-gentle) voice of reason. She was the ringleader of her siblings, Debi, Bub (Ron), and Scott. Through all the highs and lows, Jeri was always the glue to keep the family bond tight.
Jeri married James Ahrens and to this union, they had three children: Christopher, Brent, and Andrea. They divorced, and Jeri remarried Layne Baker in 1998. She gained four step-children to this union. Chad, Clint, Kent, and Ross. Jeri’s children and stepchildren were the center of her world, each of them a source of immense pride, joy, and unconditional love that shaped her life (and her calendar) in countless meaningful ways–the rock of the family. Recently, Jeri shared her life with Leo Oligmueller, and the two did everything together–bringing out the best in one another. They were looking forward to a trip to Italy in the fall.
Jeri spent her working years in roles that suited her perfectly—helping others and meticulous organization. Her first job was at Mutual of Omaha for a short time and then moved back to Oakland, working as a secretary at Mutual Insurance and Helena Chemical. She then worked as a para substitute and at the Oakland Pro Shop. She brought patience, warmth, and a steady presence to every place she went. She had a way of making people feel seen and cared for, whether they were coworkers, friends, or complete strangers.
After the office hours ended, Jeri cultivated another title she wore with pride: an all-around beverage connoisseur at several local establishments–serving drinks or being served. Whether it was sharing stories over a drink, making new friends, or simply enjoying the moment, she turned ordinary outings into cherished memories.
Jeri was involved in many community organizations, passionately serving others on the Oakland Fire and Rescue as an EMT, Oakland Ball Association, Oakland Cemetery Board, Craig American Legion Auxiliary, and she was a TEAMMATE mentor. Along with these organizations, she participated in a book/card club, Bible studies, and enjoyed going on trips–traveling with friends, and also attending many movies with her movie group friends.
Jeri was the ultimate gift giver–even to her last breath as an organ donor. In the quiet moments, when the world feels a little dimmer, may we remember Jeri’s legacy—and may we carry it forward.
Preceded in death by her parents; husband Layne Baker; and step-son Ross Baker.
Jeri is survived by her children, Christopher (Kristin) Ahrens of Wilsonville, Oregon, Brent (Brooke) Ahrens of Oakland, Andrea (Josh) Clark of Norfolk and step-children, Chad Baker of Lincoln, Clint (Liza) Baker of Waverly, and Kent (Melissa) Baker of Lincoln; 14 grandchildren; soulmate Leo Oligmueller; siblings Debi Rowe of Craig, Ron “Bub” (Jody) Johnson of Arlington, Scott Johnson of Marble Falls, Texas; aunts; uncles; nieces; nephews; cousins; and a host of dear friends.
“Let’s Have One More and Leave As a Group.”