Thomas G. Baer

Oct. 31, 1931 — Feb. 18, 2004

Thomas Gerald Baer, 72, of Green Street, Dowagiac, Mich. Tom's life began on Oct. 31, 1931 in South Bend; the son of Wayne G. and Helen (O'Neill) Baer. He is a 1950 graduate of Riley High School.

Tom is a Veteran of the United States Army, serving his country form 1952 until 1954 in Korea. He is a recipient of a Bronze Service Star. Tom was a member of the St. Paul's Episcopal Church and the Dowagiac Elk's Lodge. Tom was employed as the Vice President of Operations at Patrick Industries from August 1968 until his retirement in December 1998. He was a member of the Board of Directors at Patrick's from May of 1970 until May of 2003. Before joining Patrick Industries, Tom had worked for Mohawk Door.

Tom's loving family includes his wife, the former Mary Gaffigan, whom he wed on Dec. 1, 1973 in South Bend; his children, Kathleen and her husband, John Crone of Noblesville, Ind., Michael and his wife, Lori Baer of Alpine, Utah, Dennis and his wife, Amy Baer of Phoenix, Ariz., Mark Baer of Powell, Ohio, and Aileen Baer of Hilliard, Ohio, and his stepdaughter, Beth and her husband, Jeff Davis of Mishawaka, Ind.; nine grandchildren; his brothers, Richard and his wife, Jean Baer of New Buffalo, Mich., and Edward and his wife, Cathy Baer of South Bend.

Following an extended illness Tom passed away peacefully at the Holy Cross Care and Rehabilitation Center in South Bend on Wednesday, Feb. 18. His parents, a sister, Mary Jane and her husband, Jack Snyder and a brother, Jack Baer preceded him in death.

His family will gather with friends on Sunday, Feb. 22 from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Groner Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 301 Main St., Dowagiac. His Funeral will be held on Monday, Feb. 23, at 11 am. in the St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 306 Courtland, Dowagiac, where Father Neiman will lead the service. Tom will be laid to rest at Mission Hills Cemetery, Niles, with military honors following the services. Memorial donations in his name may be directed to the American Cancer Society or St. Paul's Episcopal Church (envelopes are available at the funeral home). 

Source: Newspapers.com

10/31/2023 EJS