Lowell Baer

LOWELL F. BAER STERLING- Lowell F. Baer, 96, died, Friday, January, 16, 2009. He was born in rural Sterling May 28, 1912, the son of Lloyd and Bertha Hinz Baer. He was educated at Sterling High School and the Schoville Business College of Sterling. He became employed at Northwestern Steel and Wire Company in 1934, retiring in 1975. He married Dorothy Musgrave on January 16, 1937. She died on November 22, 1996. They were active members serving in leadership roles in the Science Ridge Mennonite Church in Sterling. In 1977 he was ordained a Lay minister serving in Illinois prisons, and as pastor interim at the Christian Church in Polo. He served as volunteer minister in area nursing homes, church services, as well as those who had no pastor. He was vice-president of the retired steel workers organization and served a term on the Illinois Citizens Utility Board. He enjoyed several hobbies including exhibiting Wyandotte chickens at poultry shows. He was a charter member of the Rock River Racing Pigeon Club shows. A Chicago White Sox fan, and loved his dog, Rettler. Survivors include his wife, Lee Gowan Baer, whom he married on April 19, 1998; daughters, Barbara (James) Ebersole of Aurora, Judith (Leonard) Long of Sterling, Beth (Philip) Shank of Wellman, IA, Dorothy (David) Ulrich of Denver, CO, Lila (Edward) Miller of Wauseon, OH; two step-daughters, Judy (Curtis) Repass of Rock Falls and June (Donald) Sullivan of Sandwich; six step-grandchildren; eighteen grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Valera Mellot. Funeral services will be held on Thursday January 22, 2009 at 10:30 AM at Science Ridge Mennonite Church, Sterling, with the Reverend Arnold Owens officiating. Burial will be at Science Ridge Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday January 21, 2009 from 6-8 PM at the Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling. A memorial has been established to Rockford Rescue Mission and Science Ridge Mennonite Church.