Dr. Susan Soderberg Baker

Dr. Susan Soderberg Baker, DVM, age 72, of Traverse City, Michigan, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on June 5, 2026.

Sue was born on October 5, 1953, in San Diego, California, to Ralph Soderberg and Joan (Bob) Kaselitz. From an early age, she developed a deep love for animals, nature, and the outdoors, passions that would shape both her life and career.

Sue dedicated more than 50 years to veterinary medicine, caring for countless animals and the people who loved them. She earned degrees from Michigan State University and The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in Colorado building a career defined by compassion, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to animal welfare. After years of co-owning and operating East Detroit Animal Hospital with Dr. Stephen Steep in East Pointe and raising her kids in Grosse Pointe, Sue and her husband, Roger settled in Traverse City. Even in semi-retirement, she remained devoted to her profession, traveling to veterinary clinics throughout Northern Michigan to help animals and share her knowledge with fellow veterinarians. To know Sue was to know that she genuinely loved all creatures great and small—often joking that she liked animals more than people.

Family was at the center of Sue’s life. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend whose heart of gold touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. She cherished time spent with those closest to her. She enjoyed time around the dinner table sharing one of her home-cooked meals, baking treats for family and friends, spending time on the water or gardening. Her quick wit, playful sarcasm, and ability to find humor in everyday moments brought laughter to those around her.

Sue is survived by her beloved husband of 36 years, Roger Baker; her children, Crystal (Charlie) Starkey and Dustin (Allison) Baker; her cherished grandchildren, Noah and Emma Starkey; and her future grandson, Baby Boy Baker, expected in Fall 2026. She is also survived by her beloved pets, Wylie and Blaze, along with her siblings, nieces, nephews, extended family, and many dear friends.

Sue was preceded in death by her mother, Joan Kaselitz; her father, Ralph Soderberg; her stepfather, Bob Kaselitz; her aunt, Sally; her uncle, Lee; her parents-in-law, Pauline and Blaine Baker; and several beloved pets.

Sue’s legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched, both human and animal. She will be remembered for her kindness, humor, dedication to her family, and lifelong commitment to caring for animals.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the pavilion at Firefighters Park in Troy, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Betsie River Veterinary Clinic to help provide medical care and support for animals in need.

Send BEAUTIFUL Flowers or Gifts locally to the family of Dr. Susan Soderberg Baker, DVM

Express your condolences, giving comfort and support.

Click here to view selections on our website