Marlene Baer

Marlene LaRue (Bielenberg) Baer was born at home on August 19, 1937, in Otter Creek Township, Iowa, to Carl and Alice (Miller) Bielenberg. She was baptized in 1938 and confirmed in 1952 at Freidens Evangelical and Reformed Church in Schleswig. Marlene attended elementary school at Morgan #7 County School and graduated from Schleswig High School with the Class of 1955.

During high school, Marlene began dating Paul “Curly” Baer, and the two were married on April 26, 1959, at Freidens Evangelical and Reformed Church in Schleswig. Together, they raised two sons, Daniel and Dennis. Over the years, Marlene worked for Rexall, Stern and Sons, Schleswig Motor Company, Tri-County Oil and Gas, and later Johnson Propane.

Having lost her mother at the young age of six, Marlene became an excellent cook. She took great pride in baking rye bread, Christmas cookies, pies, and strawberry and chocolate desserts, which were family favorites. Cooking was something that brought her and Curly even closer together. In addition to her love for the kitchen, she enjoyed embroidery and cross-stitching, gifting beautifully crafted dish towels and pillowcases to family.

Marlene and Curly shared a passion for fishing, making traditional annual trips to Minnesota starting in 1962. She also had a love for flower gardening, with her impatiens being particularly beautiful. Curly tended to the vegetable garden, while Marlene took on the canning.

The couple enjoyed many activities together, including couples’ bowling league, card club, and an annual horseshoe tournament with friends. But above all, Marlene cherished the time spent with her family. She devoted her life to creating a warm and loving home, filled with traditions that brought everyone together. Whether through home-cooked meals, shared laughter, or simple moments of togetherness, her family was always at the heart of everything she did. Marlene spent her entire life in Schleswig, where she built not just a house, but a home filled with love, warmth, and lasting memories.

Marlene passed away at Gracewell in Denison on Thursday, March 13, 2025, having attained the age of 87 years, six months and 21 days. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sister, Arliss Schultz; grandson, Carson Baer; brothers-in-law, Whitey Engresser, Richard “Dick” Baer, and Floyd James “Jim” Baer; and sister-in-law, Claudine “Babe” Baer.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Curly Baer of Schleswig; sons: Daniel (Jodi) Baer of Farmington, MN and Dennis (Bridget) Baer of Bondurant, IA; sister, Betty Engesser of Tracy, MN; brother, Dale (Mae) Bielenberg of Centennial, CO; grandchildren: Tyler Sheer, Sebren Baer, Isaac Baer, Hanna (John) Seurer, and Parker Baer; extended family members and friends.

Visitation with Family Greeting Friends will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with Funeral Services to begin at 11:00 a.m., all on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the United Church of Christ in Schleswig. Burial will be in the Morgan Cemetery in Schleswig following services.