Edward G. Baer

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Edward G. Baer, a cherished member of the South Bend community, who departed this life on August 20, 2024, at the age of 91.
Born in South Bend to Wayne G. and Helen (O'Neill) Baer, Ed spent his entire life in the city he loved. On June 2, 1962, he married Catherine L. Loucas, and together they built a life filled with love and commitment.
Ed is survived by his beloved wife, Cathy; their four children, Denise (Michael) Pecoraro of Bentonville, AR; Kevin (Beth Burrous) Baer of Arlington, VA; Brian Baer of Apex, NC; and Jeffrey (Cassandra) Baer of Granger, IN; nine grandchildren: Ariana, Nicholas, Alexandra and Marisa Pecoraro; Cameron, Schuyler, and Eva Baer; Julilla and Mary Cate Baer. Ed is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his infant son, Edward Gerard Baer; his parents; brothers John, Thomas, and Richard; his sister Mary Jane Snyder, and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Lewis Kobold.
After graduating from Riley High School in 1951, Ed answered the call to serve his country by joining the Navy, where he served from 1953 to 1955. His dedication to helping others inspired him to pursue a distinguished career as a Financial and Retirement Planner, which began in 1957 and spanned over five decades until his retirement from Grunawalt Baer Financial in 2014. As a registered representative with Ameritas Investment Corp., he earned recognitions both nationally and at the state level. He achieved his Chartered Life Underwriter designation in 1975, became a Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table, and served as president of the Society of Financial Service Professionals North Central IN Chapter. Ed also held leadership roles as president of the NAIFA (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors) of North Central IN and was honored with the "Life Underwriter of the Year" award in 1978 and the "Financial Advisor of the Year" award in 2013. Additionally, he has served as chairman of the NAIFA IN Political Action Committee and president of the Estate Planning Council of Michiana.
A man deeply committed to his community, Ed served in various leadership roles within his church, community, and profession. His service to his community included being president of the Urban League of South Bend and St. Joseph County; president of the South Bend Human Rights Commission; president of the South Bend Energy Conservation Commission; and member of the SBCSC Board Selection Committee. Ed served as president and a board member for 42 years for REAL Services Inc., where he helped enrich the lives of senior citizens throughout our community. He earned the REAL Services "Les Fox Hoosier Lifetime Award" in 2022. Ed's service also included being a board member of the South Bend Alumni Association; a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 553; and serving as a 4th district precinct committeeman. In his later years, Ed found joy in singing with the Michiana Male Chorus. Ed never sought the spotlight, but his influence touched the lives of countless individuals and families who benefited from his expertise, generosity, and kindness.
Above all, his family came first. He was deeply involved in his children's and grandchildren's activities, including Indian Guides at the YMCA, East Side Little League, Cub Scouts (as an Eagle Scout himself), school PTAs, school camping trips, basketball games, swim meets, soccer games, theater, choir, and orchestra. He would always make it a priority to attend his children's and grandchildren's activities.
Ed loved nature, the outdoors, the beach, animals and birds. He had a large collection of turtle figures and was known to get out of his car to make sure a turtle could safely cross a roadway. Early in his life he loved camping on the shores of lake Michigan and scuba diving in the area lakes and rivers. Later in life every dog in his neighborhood knew they could stop for a pet and chat with Ed.
Ed was an active parishioner at Little Flower Catholic Church for 46 years. He was a current parishioner of St Augustine Catholic Church active in the St Vincent de Paul Conference and a former finance committee member.
Private funeral services have taken place. Arrangements were handled by Palmer Funeral Home The family wishes to thank North Woods Village for their superb, loving care over the past sixteen months. We also wish to thank Milton Adult Day Services and Traditions Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to REAL Services, Inc. (Meals on Wheels),1151 S Michigan St, South Bend, IN 46601, St. Augustine Parish St. Vincent de Paul Conference, PO Box 3198, South Bend, IN 46619, or St. Augustine Parish Soup Kitchen, PO Box 3198, South Bend, IN 46619.
I've lived a life that's full,
I've traveled each and every highway,
And more, much more than this,
I did it my way.
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