Albert William Baer

Albert William Baer Jr., age 76, passed away on December 22, 2025, following a brief bout with esophageal cancer.

Al was born on April 16, 1949, in Appleton, WI. The second of four brothers, Al enjoyed playing sports, particularly basketball, where he participated in his church’s youth league. He also loved hunting with his dog Duke and fishing in the Fox River and surrounding lakes, activities that sometimes took precedent over his academic career.

As a senior at Appleton High School, Al met the love of his life Sandy Losse. Following graduation in 1967, Al took a job with the City of Appleton Street Dept., where he would work until his retirement 42 years later.

Early into his budding career, however, Uncle Sam came calling. Following in his father’s footsteps, Al enlisted in the US Army to serve his country. Following a tour in Vietnam in 1970, the young couple were married, enjoyed a brief “honeymoon” in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, and finally returned to Wisconsin and civilian life in 1971. Al & Sandy started their family, buying a home in their hometown and raising two children, Brian and Junelle Baer.

Al was very active in the kids’ lives. He coached Brian’s little league team and won the state tournament as an assistant coach on the 11 & 12-year-old all-stars from the Kiwanis Division. He also spent years coaching Junelle’s softball teams throughout elementary and junior high. Of course, he passed on his passion for the outdoors by teaching the kids and grandkids all about hunting and fishing.

In retirement, Al enjoyed spending time at their cottage in Lakewood, going golfing, having fires, and feeding the deer and squirrels. He loved spending time with his grandkids, going to their school and sporting events, making them “gut burgers” and spam sandwiches when they visited. He was always quick with a joke and loved making others laugh.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Baer Sr. and Donna Baer (Gallea), as well as his brother Tom Baer. He is survived by brothers George and Denny Baer, wife Sandy, children Brian Baer and Junelle Lee (Baer), and grandchildren Jack, Grace, and Emily Baer and Raegan Lee.

His family extends heartfelt gratitude and warm wishes to everyone affected by this loss. Much appreciation for the care he received from the Hospice Team at ThedaCare - Appleton.

A Celebration of Al’s life is being planned for 2026. Stay tuned to the Book of Faces for details.