Joseph Shawn "Joe" Baehr

Joe Baehr died peacefully in the care of hospice on September 24, 2024, after a long period of illness linked to radiation treatment of his brain cancer diagnosed 20 years ago. After being diagnosed with a Stage 3 brain tumor at age 38, Joe beat all the odds, surviving cancer-free for over 20 years post-surgery and treatment. We are still learning and understanding all the ways that Joe's brain cancer treatment affected him in his later years. He had the strongest desire to live right up until his very last day of life.
Born on March 28, 1966, Joe was gifted with a mind that never quite colored inside the lines. He had a limitless sense of humor and storytelling that brought a fresh spark of the unexpected to every gathering of friends, new or old, on a porch or at a bluegrass festival, or in a bar seat at a live show. An avid sports fan, Joe loved watching the Jayhawks and the Chiefs with his family and friends. He found great peace in watching the sun rise and set from his cozy front porch.
Joe was unlike anyone. His eclectic career spanned project management for Oread Labs, CHCA, and Blair Lake, and content creation for Propaganda 3. He did stand-up comedy and community theater, tried his hand at independent film and radio, hosted a few different late-night shows for KKFI public radio, and often turned out for local live music. Joe was also a talented writer who wrote a fantasy novel in his later years.
Joe is survived by his son, Aiden Baehr; his father Joseph Baehr, his mother Martha Baehr; his sister, Melissa Perry and her husband, Brandon; his brother, Chris Richmond and his wife, Kathleen; his sister, Lisa Hathaway and her husband, Steve; and his nieces and nephews, Madison, Cooper, Parker, and Caitlin; and countless friends, new and old.
Joe was a loving and devoted father to his son, Aiden, age 23. Aiden was his pride and joy and he loved him so completely and unconditionally. When Joe was diagnosed with brain cancer and Aiden was only a toddler, Joe shared that he knew that he would live to see Aiden graduate from college, which he did just this past May of 2024.
Joe's laughter echoes on, unforgotten and unforgettable. He was a kind, gentle, and sensitive soul whose kindness stood out alongside his unique humor. To say he left an impression would be an understatement; he left a legacy that will be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him. The world is indeed poorer without Joe's presence, but those who knew him can affirm: that having a Joe in your life was a true privilege.
A Celebration of Life to honor and remember Joe with family, friends, barbecue, and bluegrass will be held on April 12th from 3:00-7:00 at the Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Avenue in Prairie Village. More information will follow.
The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to Ascend Hospice and the staff at DelmarGardens of Overland Park for the kindness and care they showed to Joe in his last month of life. If you would like to make a memorial donation on Joe's behalf, here are a few options:
*Be Head StrongAn all-volunteer nonprofit offering immediate assistance to Kansas City area patients who have brain tumors, as well as their families and caregivers. https://www.beheadstrong.org/memorials1.html
*KKFI Public Radio 90.1 FMhttps://kkfi.org/support/