Robert David Baer

1924 - 2017

1924 ~ 2017
The soul of Dr. Robert D. Baer took flight on Thursday, June 8, 2017. "Grandpa Baer" is survived by William M. Baer (Sheri Campbell), Amy E. Baer McGuire (Richard) and David R. Baer (Kim), 17 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. He was pre-deceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary Lynn Mace Baer, and daughters Margaret J. Baer Waldram and Rebecca J. Baer, parents, Delmar and Helen Baer, sister, Jean Baer Romig, twin brother, Dr. Richard F. Baer and brother, James D. Baer.
Dr. Baer was born in Cambridge, Ohio, and grew up in southeastern Ohio. After graduating from high school and completing three years at Ohio State University, Bob and his twin brother, Dick, were drafted and sent to Paris as part of the Army of Liberation during World War II. Returning to OSU, he completed his Bachelor's degree, enrolled in the OSU College of Medicine, interned at the University of Denver and started General Practice in Eastern Ohio, in Dalton. He and Mary Lynn, a nurse, were married in 1950. In 1961, he returned to Ohio State for a residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. In 1964, Dr. Baer accepted a position practicing and teaching in the Department of Physical Medicine at the University of Missouri Medical Center in Columbia, MO. In 1970, he entered into private practice as Director of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. In the 1990s, he also worked at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Salt Lake City. As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served as a branch president and high councilor in Missouri and in various Scouting, teaching, and leadership positions in Utah.
Dr. Baer, his wife, and five children enjoyed musical activities together. Bob and Mary Lynn also enjoyed singing with the Utah Symphony and Utah Opera. An avid skier into his 80s, Bob spent many happy hours skiing with friends and family. In his later years, he also enjoyed painting in acrylics, working in and enjoying the beauty of his yard (Bob LOVED flowers), and playing in his wonderful train room with his grandchildren.
Our family wishes to thank neighbors, members of the LDS community, and friends and Hospice caregivers who helped Dad during the past few years. We also express special thanks to grandson John Baer for his years of dedicated and selfless care of both Bob and Mary Lynn. Services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, June 16, 2017 at the Bountiful 13th Ward, 1356 North 650 East, Bountiful, UT. Public viewing held at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, UT, Thursday, June 15, from 6-8 p.m. Online guestbook at www.russonmortuary.com