Search by Name

Search by Name

Dorothy J. Baer

1928 - 2025

Dorothy J. Baer obituary, 1928-2025

BORN

1928

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home - El Paso

40 West Main Street

El Paso, Illinois

UPCOMING SERVICE

Visitation

Oct. 25, 2025

9:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Bloomington Apostolic Christian Church

Send Flowers

Dorothy Baer Obituary

Dorothy J. Baer

November 7, 1928 - October 15, 2025

Dorothy J. Baer, age 96, of Bloomington Ill., formerly of El Paso, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children, on October 15, 2025, at Carle BroMenn Regional Medical Center, Normal.

Born on November 7, 1928, in Eureka, to David and Cordelia Gudeman Zimmerman. Dorothy is proceeded in death by her husband of 52 years, Raymond Baer (2003); and her eldest son Steven Baer (2024); parents David and Cordelia; brother Robert Zimmerman; and sister Joyce Morrison.

Dorothy was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother and great-grandmother. Her happiness was apparent to all when any of her family members were by her side. She is survived by her loving children; Sandra (William) Lines, Brenda (Matthew) Levatich, and Bradley (Linda) Baer; daughter-in-law, Cynthia Baer; 11 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

Dorothy was a loyal friend and had many who loved and adored her. She was well known from her 35 years working as a cashier at Kohl's in Bloomington, from where she retired at the age of 91. Her work ethic and customer service were unsurpassed and widely recognized throughout the community.

Dorothy actively lived her 96 years as a faithful servant, proudly sharing her motto of 3 F's: Faith, Family, and Friends. Dorothy worshiped at both Congerville Apostolic Christian Church and Bloomington Apostolic Christian Church.

A visitation will be held on Saturday October 25th, from 9 to 10:45 am, at the Bloomington Apostolic Christian Church. Funeral service will commence at 11 am, with a lunch to follow.

Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, El Paso, is assisting the family with arrangements. Burial will be in Goodfield-Congerville Apostolic Christian Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Bloomington Apostolic Christian Church. Condolences and her obituary may be viewed at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com

Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home

40 W. Main St., El Paso, IL 61738

309-527-4000
Published by The Pantagraph on Oct. 19, 2025.

Memorial Events
for Dorothy Baer

Oct

25

Visitation

9:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Bloomington Apostolic Christian Church

4408 E. Raab Road, Normal, IL 61761

Oct

25

Funeral service

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Bloomington Apostolic Christian Church

4408 E. Raab Road, Normal, IL 61761

Oct

25

Graveside service

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Goodfield-Congerville Apostolic Christian Cemetery

28 Grimm Rd (CR 1550 E), Congerville, IL 61729

Funeral services provided by:

Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home - El Paso

40 West Main Street, El Paso, IL 61738

Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Baer

Sponsored by Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home - El Paso.

Not sure what to say?





8 Entries

Glenda (Garrett) Bass

October 20, 2025

Dorothy was my neighbor when I was a little girl in Hudson. Her door was always open to us neighborhood kids. She was so kind and willing to drop what ever she was doing to play with me. I loved seeing her at Kohls when I would come back to Bloomington to visit family. She always remember who I was and asked about brothers and mom. Dorothy you will be missed you brought joy to everyone you met. Hugs.

Corina Schoening

October 20, 2025

So sorry for the loss of Dorothy . She so sweet and missed her smile face at kohls every time I go shop. Send prayers to family!

Susan

October 19, 2025

So sorry for the loss of Dorothy. I only knew her from Kohls. She was the sweetest kindest person. Really missed her sweet smiling face. With Sympathy

Joyce Dachauer

October 19, 2025

Sorry for the family´s loss. I remember Dorothy well from Kohl´s. She was always so friendly and sweet. What a lovely lady!

Robin Brayfield

October 19, 2025

I´m so very sorry for your family´s loss. I met Dorothy while working at Eastland Mall. She was alway so nice and a very loyal employee for Kohl´s. I´m happy to know she lived a long and happy life surrounded by "faith, family and friends". May peace be with you.

Angie Mier

October 19, 2025

I worked with Dorothy back in the mid 90s at Kohl's. She always had a smile on her face. I loved chatting with her. Dorothy was a gem.

Marilyn Freese

October 19, 2025

My sincere condolences to Dorothy´s family. I saw Dorothy at Kohl´s for many years. She was an outstanding employee and so great with people. She was loved by everyone who was fortunate to know her.

Nicholas Limon

October 19, 2025

I can remember going to Kohl´s as a child and an adult with my mother and Dorothy and my mother would always talking about anything even if my mother was not buying anything. She was one of those people, who would just talk with you and generally cared about not only the person, but her family. I will never forget that my mother accidentally forgot her receipt and Dorothy came out running and saying, "Mrs. Limon, I forgot to give you your receipt". Rest in Peace Miss Dorothy!

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

Make a Donation
in Dorothy Baer's name

How to support Dorothy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Dorothy Baer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more