Ronald Baer

Ronald D. Baer, 89, of Middle Point, died early Friday morning, June 29, 2012, at his residence. He was born April 10, 1923, in Van Wert County, the son of the late Ray L. and Hilda (Waltz) Baer. On May 6, 1944, he married Betty L. (Buechner) Baer, who survives in Middle Point. Mr. Baer was a lifelong farmer in Van Wert County and a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Van Wert. He was a 1941 graduate of Middle Point High School and loved being with his family and enjoyed all sports, especially golf and basketball. In addition to his wife, survivors include four children, Lynn (Sharon) Baer of Van Wert, Bruce (Pattie) Baer of Middle Point, Ronna (Dave) Kyle of Peachtree City, Ga., and Babett (Russ) Franck of Lake Wales, Fla.; three sisters, Joan Neer of Middle Point, Mildred Longstreth of Van Wert and Jean Mizner of Kansas City, Mo.; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. A brother, Carl Baer; two sisters, Mary King and Myrna Partin; and a grandson, Adam Ronald Baer, also preceded him in death. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 3, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Van Wert, with Pastor Philip Zielinski officiating. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery near Middle Point. Calling hours are from 4-8 p.m. Monday, July 2, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert and an hour prior to services Tuesday at the church. Preferred memorial: Emmanuel Lutheran Church.