In Memory
Kathryn “Kay” (Freese) Baer
November 24, 1936 ~ June 12, 2025
Kathryn ‘Kay’ Baer, 88, of Riverpark South Bend, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones, on June 12th, 2025, at Raclin House in Mishawaka.
Born on November 24th, 1936, in Chicago, IL, to parents Chester W and Diana (Horvath) Freese, Kay was a lifelong resident of the South Bend area.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, brother Richard ‘Dick’ Freese, Sisters Donna Hinkle and Marlene Faltynski and cherished Grandson Brian Baer.
Kay was a proud matriarch of the family. To know her was to be loved by her. Kay’s love is carried on by her sister, Linda Gregory; her five children, Ricky (Peggy) Baer, Ray (Penny) Baer, Kathryn (Phil) Howland, Scott Baer, and Diana Baer; her 10 grandchildren, Brain Baer (late), Larry (Melissa) Baer, Rebecca (Ed) Baer-Machado, Kimberly (Eric Butler) Davis, Stacey Baer, Justin (Amy) Davis, Jason Davis, Rachel (David) Shannahan, and Stephen Howland, Katrina (Alex) Passarell; her 21 great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn (David) Boggs, Jacen (Hayley Willison) Heilman, Jalen Heilman, Mila Davis, Ava Davis, Stella Davis, Kayley (Callie) Jones-Skembo, Kobe Jones, Lindsey (Austin Laughman) Baer, Larry Baer Jr., Brittany (Joe) Almaguer, Alexis (Lucus Cobern) Baer, Austin Fox, Taleah Fox, Evan Fox, Vicki (Lane) Larsen, Brendan (Kassidy) Passarell, Brianna Passarell, Aysen Soriano, Randy Soriano, Nevin O’Donnell; her 9 great-great-grandchildren, Kiley Boggs, Kelsey Boggs, Luna Laughman, Crew Laughman, Blake Coburn, Clara Larsen, Adeline Henry, Nealan O’Donnell, and KJ O’Donnell; and many nieces and nephews.
Known affectionately as “The Sisters” by many, she and her sister, Linda, shared a love for bingo and the casino, where their laughter was contagious. Kay supported herself and her children through her career as a waitress at Holly’s Landing and the Blue Lantern. Her service showcased her love for people and ability to connect with others.
As we bid farewell to Kay, we celebrate a life lived with love at its core. Her laughter, generosity, and her unwavering support will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Kay’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and the importance of family, a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide us.
A memorial service for Kay will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, June 16, 2025, at Palmer Funeral Home – River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Ave, South Bend, IN 46615. Friends may visit with the family at 10 AM to share in remembrance of a life well-lived. Following there will be a processional to South Lawn Cemetery, 61430 IN-931, South Bend, IN 46614, for a small gravesite service.
As we reflect on Kay’s life, we are reminded of the impact one person can have on so many. Her spirit, her joy, and her love will remain with us, Mom/Grandma was our sunshine and she will be smiling down on us for generations to come.
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6/15/2025 djb
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