John A Baehr

John "JB" Baehr, of Plover, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on May 27, 2024, at the age of 69.
John was born on April 27, 1955 in Minneapolis, MN; son of Robert and Joan (Johnson) Baehr. He grew up in the Twin Cities area and was a member of the Class of 1973, graduating from Armstrong Senior High School in Plymouth, MN.
Following high school, John entered the workforce. He worked for Genuine Parts Company, commonly known as NAPA, for many years until his retirement in 2017. In 1984, John met Melanie "Mel" Laqua in Blaine, MN. The two were married in 1986 in Williston, ND. Together, they built a beautiful life, welcoming two children, Matthew and Lizzie. After retirement, John served as a Players Assistant and Marshall for SentryWorld Golf Course. While his health kept him from golfing, he was honored to ensure his fellow golfers always had a great experience.
Family and community were two aspects of life that John treasured. He grew to love and appreciate his NAPA family over his many years of service, and of course, his family at home was one of his greatest achievements. His eyes were never brighter than when he talked about his family. Mel, the kids, and their dog, Harley, were the most important things to John; and as his family gained additions, his love extended even further.
John enjoyed dedicating time to his community as well. He served as a board member of the United Way of Portage County as well as the United Way of Mount Vernon, IL. John was also an active member of the Stevens Point Rotary Club, Friends of Standing Rock, and the Elks Club in Fort Wayne, IN. With his quick wit and storytelling skills, John made numerous friends over the years. After all, John did love to talk with anyone he met; he was even known at several local businesses for his banana cake and stories about life. His graciousness and love for family, friends, and faith, will be greatly missed.
John is lovingly survived by his wife, Mel; his children, Matthew and his wife, Jessica, and Lizzie; and his beloved pal, Harley. He is further survived by his siblings, Michael and his wife, Connie, and Cindy and her husband, David; his brothers-in-law, Loren and his wife, Karen, and Del and his wife, Jean; his sisters-in-law, Jeanette and her husband, Rich, Patty and her husband, Ted, and Phyllis; as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Joan; his in-laws, Francis and Lovella Laqua; brother-in-law, Jerry LeDosquet; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Waiting for him at the Rainbow Bridge will be his beloved fur-babies, Molly, Chutney, Moon Light, and Smokey.
The family would like to extend a sincere Thank You to all who provided care for John including Marshfield Weston Hospital and Clinics, Stevens Point River Region Hospital Oncology Center and Clinic, and Compassus Hospice.
For those wishing to express their sympathies, the family kindly suggests in lieu of flowers that donations be made in John's honor to the Portage County Humane Society (www.hspcwi.org) or the Friends of Standing Rock for the Speckmann Dog Park (https://cfcwi.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1089) - please indicate John Baehr - Friends of Standing Rocks. Checks can also be made out to the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin with the memo line indicating "John Baehr - Friends of Standing Rocks."
A Celebration of Life will be held in John's memory on Friday, June 7, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Shuda Funeral Home - 3200 Stanley Street, Stevens Point. An additional service will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 26, 2024.