Obituary
John William Baer, 61, of Iowa City, IA was surrounded by his family when he died peacefully on Sunday January 22.
Visitation will be from 3-7 PM on Sunday January 29 at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, Iowa City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 30 at 11:00 AM at the Newman Catholic Student Center in Iowa City with Fr. Ed Fitzpatrick officiating. Private interment will take place at a future date at St. Joseph Cemetery, Iowa City.
John was born in Bend, OR on July 3, 1961, to Gottlieb and Mary Ann (Kelleher) Baer. In 1965, the Baer family relocated to Sacramento, CA where John attended Presentation Catholic School and graduated from Mira Loma High School. John attended American River College before graduating from University of California, Berkeley in 1984. He remained a devout fan of the California Golden Bears. He loved saying, "Roll on you Bears!" which later became, "Roll on you Baers!"
John was an avid sports fan, a talented journalistic writer, and an engaging storyteller. He combined all of these when he pursued a career in sports broadcasting, starting at KIFI in Pocatello, ID and later at KGAN in Cedar Rapids, IA. In eastern Iowa John was known for his "Boomtime" segments which highlighted the talents and successes of local high school and college athletes.
After leaving sports broadcasting, John worked in sales and mortgage lending. John rounded out his professional career as the Development Director at the Newman Catholic Student Center in Iowa City, IA.
John was supremely proud of his children. He loved being their father at every stage of their lives and considered his children to be his greatest legacy. He was devoted to their personal development, including their academic and athletic successes. John traveled extensively to support them, including to every B1G arena when his sons Nicholas and Michael played for the Iowa Hawkeyes. John moved to New York last year to support Michael by attending all his Siena College basketball games before being diagnosed with cancer last April. John returned to Iowa for medical treatment and the care and support from family and friends.
John married Joy Kelly at St. Raphael Cathedral in Dubuque, IA on August 8, 1992. They joyfully welcomed and raised their children Elizabeth, Nicholas, Katherine, Michael, and Caroline Baer. In 2006, John sustained a life-altering frontal lobe traumatic brain injury in a family car accident. Despite his permanent disability, John remained optimistic and upbeat. For years, John participated in neurological studies at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics to advance the understanding of and treatment for traumatic brain injuries.
Those left to forever remember and honor John's memory include Joy of Iowa City and their five children, Elizabeth (Chicago, IL), Nicholas (Des Moines, IA), Katherine (Fullerton, CA), Michael (Albany, NY), and Caroline (Iowa City, IA). John is also survived by his mother Mary Ann Baer of Sacramento, CA, and siblings Brian (Kalyn) Baer of San Jose, CA, Kurt (Julie) Baer of Citrus Heights, CA, William (Nicole) Baer, and Maureen (Fred) Young all of Sacramento, CA. John was also the proud uncle to 27 nieces and nephews and treasured his relationships with his own aunts, uncles, and cousins.
John was preceded in death by his father, Gottlieb Baer, his grandparents Jack and Anna Kelleher and Bill and Alice Baer, aunts Janice Baer and Helen Pieser, uncles Bill Baer, Dan Kelleher, Bob Rebenstorf, and Dick Pieser, mother-in-law Patricia Kelly, father-in-law, Donald Kelly, and niece Bridget J. Kelly.
Immediately following Mass, friends and family are invited to a meal at The Celebration Farm, 4696 Robin Woods Ln NE, Iowa City, where John's children will pay tribute to him. A celebration with John's extended family and friends will take place in California at a later date.
John's family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Katie White, Dr. Michelle Weckmann, Melissa, Jaimie, and the entire staff at Iowa City Hospice, and their extended family and friends for their loving support and care for John throughout his illness.
John William Baer, 61, of Iowa City, IA was surrounded by his family when he died peacefully on Sunday January 22.
Visitation will be from 3-7 PM on Sunday January 29 at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, Iowa City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 30 at 11:00 AM at the Newman Catholic Student Center in Iowa City with Fr. Ed Fitzpatrick officiating. Private interment will take place at a future date at St. Joseph Cemetery, Iowa City.
John was born in Bend, OR on July 3, 1961, to Gottlieb and Mary Ann (Kelleher) Baer. In 1965, the Baer family relocated to Sacramento, CA where John attended Presentation Catholic School and graduated from Mira Loma High School. John attended American River College before graduating from University of California, Berkeley in 1984. He remained a devout fan of the California Golden Bears. He loved saying, "Roll on you Bears!" which later became, "Roll on you Baers!"
John was an avid sports fan, a talented journalistic writer, and an engaging storyteller. He combined all of these when he pursued a career in sports broadcasting, starting at KIFI in Pocatello, ID and later at KGAN in Cedar Rapids, IA. In eastern Iowa John was known for his "Boomtime" segments which highlighted the talents and successes of local high school and college athletes.
After leaving sports broadcasting, John worked in sales and mortgage lending. John rounded out his professional career as the Development Director at the Newman Catholic Student Center in Iowa City, IA.
John was supremely proud of his children. He loved being their father at every stage of their lives and considered his children to be his greatest legacy. He was devoted to their personal development, including their academic and athletic successes. John traveled extensively to support them, including to every B1G arena when his sons Nicholas and Michael played for the Iowa Hawkeyes. John moved to New York last year to support Michael by attending all his Siena College basketball games before being diagnosed with cancer last April. John returned to Iowa for medical treatment and the care and support from family and friends.
John married Joy Kelly at St. Raphael Cathedral in Dubuque, IA on August 8, 1992. They joyfully welcomed and raised their children Elizabeth, Nicholas, Katherine, Michael, and Caroline Baer. In 2006, John sustained a life-altering frontal lobe traumatic brain injury in a family car accident. Despite his permanent disability, John remained optimistic and upbeat. For years, John participated in neurological studies at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics to advance the understanding of and treatment for traumatic brain injuries.
Those left to forever remember and honor John's memory include Joy of Iowa City and their five children, Elizabeth (Chicago, IL), Nicholas (Des Moines, IA), Katherine (Fullerton, CA), Michael (Albany, NY), and Caroline (Iowa City, IA). John is also survived by his mother Mary Ann Baer of Sacramento, CA, and siblings Brian (Kalyn) Baer of San Jose, CA, Kurt (Julie) Baer of Citrus Heights, CA, William (Nicole) Baer, and Maureen (Fred) Young all of Sacramento, CA. John was also the proud uncle to 27 nieces and nephews and treasured his relationships with his own aunts, uncles, and cousins.
John was preceded in death by his father, Gottlieb Baer, his grandparents Jack and Anna Kelleher and Bill and Alice Baer, aunts Janice Baer and Helen Pieser, uncles Bill Baer, Dan Kelleher, Bob Rebenstorf, and Dick Pieser, mother-in-law Patricia Kelly, father-in-law, Donald Kelly, and niece Bridget J. Kelly.
Immediately following Mass, friends and family are invited to a meal at The Celebration Farm, 4696 Robin Woods Ln NE, Iowa City, where John's children will pay tribute to him. A celebration with John's extended family and friends will take place in California at a later date.
John's family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Katie White, Dr. Michelle Weckmann, Melissa, Jaimie, and the entire staff at Iowa City Hospice, and their extended family and friends for their loving support and care for John throughout his illness.
Obituary
John William Baer, 61, of Iowa City, IA was surrounded by his family when he died peacefully on Sunday January 22.
Visitation will be from 3-7 PM on Sunday January 29 at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, Iowa City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 30 at 11:00 AM at the Newman Catholic Student Center in Iowa City with Fr. Ed Fitzpatrick officiating. Private interment will take place at a future date at St. Joseph Cemetery, Iowa City.
John was born in Bend, OR on July 3, 1961, to Gottlieb and Mary Ann (Kelleher) Baer. In 1965, the Baer family relocated to Sacramento, CA where John attended Presentation Catholic School and graduated from Mira Loma High School. John attended American River College before graduating from University of California, Berkeley in 1984. He remained a devout fan of the California Golden Bears. He loved saying, "Roll on you Bears!" which later became, "Roll on you Baers!"
John was an avid sports fan, a talented journalistic writer, and an engaging storyteller. He combined all of these when he pursued a career in sports broadcasting, starting at KIFI in Pocatello, ID and later at KGAN in Cedar Rapids, IA. In eastern Iowa John was known for his "Boomtime" segments which highlighted the talents and successes of local high school and college athletes.
After leaving sports broadcasting, John worked in sales and mortgage lending. John rounded out his professional career as the Development Director at the Newman Catholic Student Center in Iowa City, IA.
John was supremely proud of his children. He loved being their father at every stage of their lives and considered his children to be his greatest legacy. He was devoted to their personal development, including their academic and athletic successes. John traveled extensively to support them, including to every B1G arena when his sons Nicholas and Michael played for the Iowa Hawkeyes. John moved to New York last year to support Michael by attending all his Siena College basketball games before being diagnosed with cancer last April. John returned to Iowa for medical treatment and the care and support from family and friends.
John married Joy Kelly at St. Raphael Cathedral in Dubuque, IA on August 8, 1992. They joyfully welcomed and raised their children Elizabeth, Nicholas, Katherine, Michael, and Caroline Baer. In 2006, John sustained a life-altering frontal lobe traumatic brain injury in a family car accident. Despite his permanent disability, John remained optimistic and upbeat. For years, John participated in neurological studies at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics to advance the understanding of and treatment for traumatic brain injuries.
Those left to forever remember and honor John's memory include Joy of Iowa City and their five children, Elizabeth (Chicago, IL), Nicholas (Des Moines, IA), Katherine (Fullerton, CA), Michael (Albany, NY), and Caroline (Iowa City, IA). John is also survived by his mother Mary Ann Baer of Sacramento, CA, and siblings Brian (Kalyn) Baer of San Jose, CA, Kurt (Julie) Baer of Citrus Heights, CA, William (Nicole) Baer, and Maureen (Fred) Young all of Sacramento, CA. John was also the proud uncle to 27 nieces and nephews and treasured his relationships with his own aunts, uncles, and cousins.
John was preceded in death by his father, Gottlieb Baer, his grandparents Jack and Anna Kelleher and Bill and Alice Baer, aunts Janice Baer and Helen Pieser, uncles Bill Baer, Dan Kelleher, Bob Rebenstorf, and Dick Pieser, mother-in-law Patricia Kelly, father-in-law, Donald Kelly, and niece Bridget J. Kelly.
Immediately following Mass, friends and family are invited to a meal at The Celebration Farm, 4696 Robin Woods Ln NE, Iowa City, where John's children will pay tribute to him. A celebration with John's extended family and friends will take place in California at a later date.
John's family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Katie White, Dr. Michelle Weckmann, Melissa, Jaimie, and the entire staff at Iowa City Hospice, and their extended family and friends for their loving support and care for John throughout his illness.
John William Baer, 61, of Iowa City, IA was surrounded by his family when he died peacefully on Sunday January 22.
Visitation will be from 3-7 PM on Sunday January 29 at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, Iowa City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 30 at 11:00 AM at the Newman Catholic Student Center in Iowa City with Fr. Ed Fitzpatrick officiating. Private interment will take place at a future date at St. Joseph Cemetery, Iowa City.
John was born in Bend, OR on July 3, 1961, to Gottlieb and Mary Ann (Kelleher) Baer. In 1965, the Baer family relocated to Sacramento, CA where John attended Presentation Catholic School and graduated from Mira Loma High School. John attended American River College before graduating from University of California, Berkeley in 1984. He remained a devout fan of the California Golden Bears. He loved saying, "Roll on you Bears!" which later became, "Roll on you Baers!"
John was an avid sports fan, a talented journalistic writer, and an engaging storyteller. He combined all of these when he pursued a career in sports broadcasting, starting at KIFI in Pocatello, ID and later at KGAN in Cedar Rapids, IA. In eastern Iowa John was known for his "Boomtime" segments which highlighted the talents and successes of local high school and college athletes.
After leaving sports broadcasting, John worked in sales and mortgage lending. John rounded out his professional career as the Development Director at the Newman Catholic Student Center in Iowa City, IA.
John was supremely proud of his children. He loved being their father at every stage of their lives and considered his children to be his greatest legacy. He was devoted to their personal development, including their academic and athletic successes. John traveled extensively to support them, including to every B1G arena when his sons Nicholas and Michael played for the Iowa Hawkeyes. John moved to New York last year to support Michael by attending all his Siena College basketball games before being diagnosed with cancer last April. John returned to Iowa for medical treatment and the care and support from family and friends.
John married Joy Kelly at St. Raphael Cathedral in Dubuque, IA on August 8, 1992. They joyfully welcomed and raised their children Elizabeth, Nicholas, Katherine, Michael, and Caroline Baer. In 2006, John sustained a life-altering frontal lobe traumatic brain injury in a family car accident. Despite his permanent disability, John remained optimistic and upbeat. For years, John participated in neurological studies at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics to advance the understanding of and treatment for traumatic brain injuries.
Those left to forever remember and honor John's memory include Joy of Iowa City and their five children, Elizabeth (Chicago, IL), Nicholas (Des Moines, IA), Katherine (Fullerton, CA), Michael (Albany, NY), and Caroline (Iowa City, IA). John is also survived by his mother Mary Ann Baer of Sacramento, CA, and siblings Brian (Kalyn) Baer of San Jose, CA, Kurt (Julie) Baer of Citrus Heights, CA, William (Nicole) Baer, and Maureen (Fred) Young all of Sacramento, CA. John was also the proud uncle to 27 nieces and nephews and treasured his relationships with his own aunts, uncles, and cousins.
John was preceded in death by his father, Gottlieb Baer, his grandparents Jack and Anna Kelleher and Bill and Alice Baer, aunts Janice Baer and Helen Pieser, uncles Bill Baer, Dan Kelleher, Bob Rebenstorf, and Dick Pieser, mother-in-law Patricia Kelly, father-in-law, Donald Kelly, and niece Bridget J. Kelly.
Immediately following Mass, friends and family are invited to a meal at The Celebration Farm, 4696 Robin Woods Ln NE, Iowa City, where John's children will pay tribute to him. A celebration with John's extended family and friends will take place in California at a later date.
John's family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Katie White, Dr. Michelle Weckmann, Melissa, Jaimie, and the entire staff at Iowa City Hospice, and their extended family and friends for their loving support and care for John throughout his illness.
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