Richard Eugene Baehr

Richard Eugene Baehr

Our dear father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, age 97, passed away peacefully at his home in Bloomington, MN, on January 28, 2026. He was born May 1, 1928, in Iron River, Michigan, to Albert and Elsie (Hanson) Baehr.

Richard (Dick) grew up in Bates Township/Iron River in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with 7 siblings: June Thunander, Kenneth and Robert Willis, Patsy Nivilinszky, Walter (Jimmy) Baehr, Janet Losee, and Carol Sertich, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and good friends.

He graduated from Iron River High School in 1946. He served in the United States Army from 1946 through 1948 in the Occupation of Japan. He graduated from Michigan Tech, Houghton, MI, where he excelled earning two degrees in mining and metallurgic engineering. His career took him to the Iron Range of Hibbing, MN, with Hanna Mining Company. He also worked at Great Northern Iron Ore Properties, where he spent over 35 years eventually as Manager of Mines.

Dick saw a beautiful, Italian woman, Frances (Fran) Tomaino across the dance floor, and asked her to dance. Their first date was at the company's Valentine's Day party. Dick and Fran were united in Sacramental Marriage at Blessed Sacrament Church in Hibbing on October 10, 1953, and were married almost 70 years before her passing two years ago. Dick enjoyed being with family and friends. He also enjoyed bowling, golfing, fishing, dance club and the annual Engineer Symposium. He spent many happy years working at the Knights of Columbus spaghetti dinners in Hibbing and chairing the St. Patrick's Day corned beef dinners in Florida. He welcomed everyone into their home, as he sat in his favorite chair and loved to visit. Upon retiring, they lived in both Florida and Bloomington.

Survived by four children: Lori (Michael) Barg, Bloomington; Ken Baehr, Miami; Gail (Mark) Foreman, Bloomington; and Shelley (Shawn) Rice, Bloomington.

Eight grandchildren: Jennifer (Tony) Degel, Stacy (Chris) Vitale, Matthew Baehr, Danielle Foreman, Rachel (Kyle) Wick, Christopher Foreman, Nick Rice, and Jayme (Maddie) Rice.

Eleven great-grandchildren: Samantha, Jaxson, Gavin, and Shane Degel; Sadie, Joseph, and Ryan Vitale; Antoinette Foreman; Elliott, Emery, and Lennon Wick; and soon-to-be baby girl Rice.

He is also survived by two younger sisters, Janet Losee, New York and Carol Sertich, Arizona.

Preceded in death by his wife, Fran; parents, Albert and Elsie; siblings June, Kenneth, Robert, Patsy and Walter; and newborn great-granddaughter, Paige Vitale.

Mass of Christian Burial, Nativity of Mary Catholic Church, Bloomington, MN, 9900 Lyndale Ave. S. Bloomington, MN 55420. Friday, February 6, 11 AM; Visitation 9:30-11:00 AM with rosary at 9:30 AM. Luncheon immediately follows service. Burial: Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Monday, February 9, at 11:30 AM. Arrangements by Washburn-McReavy Funeral Home, Bloomington, MN.