Ronald Dee Baer, 74, of rural Wabash, Indiana, died at 11:51 am, Monday, September 7, 2026, at Parkview Wabash Hospital. He was born on May 6, 1952, in Wabash, to Donald “Doc” and Willamae (Wearly) Baer.
Ron, was a 1970 graduate of Northfield High School and served seven years in the National Guard. He married Rhonda Cunningham on October 17, 1970, at Richvalley United Methodist Church, beginning a partnership that shaped every chapter of his life. Ron worked at Cyclone Seeder in Urbana and later at Honeywell/Markhon in Wabash before finding his calling in insurance. For more than 40 years, he served families through Farm Bureau, taking deep pride in knowing his work genuinely helped people during some of their most difficult moments. It wasn’t just a career to him — it was a way to make a difference. He was a good, honest man and his legacy lives on in the lives he touched. A longtime volunteer with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Wabash, Ron gave his time, attention, and heart to young people who needed a steady presence. He loved coaching and watching his kids’ sporting events, always the supportive voice on the sidelines. Ron enjoyed golfing, fishing, and playing cards, but nothing compared to the joy he found in his family. Above all, Ron adored his family and treasured every moment spent with them.
He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Baer of Wabash; two children, Lisa (Jasen Phelps) Curry of Carmel, Indiana, Eric (Jenny) Baer of Franklin, Tennessee; nine grandchildren, Ava Baer, Parker Baer, Audrey Baer, Ethan Baer, Kennedy Curry, Chace Curry, Kelby Curry, Maddy Phelps, and Masen Phelps; brothers, John (Theresa) Baer and Kevin (Jolene) Baer; sister, Teresa Miller; sisters and brothers-in-law, Kitty Lou Baer, Pat Baer, Eric Sinclair, Karen (Brad) Eads, and Rex (Karen) Cunningham; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Dallas and Rex Baer, sister, Janelle Sinclair, and brother-in-law, Duane Miller.
Funeral services will be 2:00 pm, Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, with Pastor Chris Brock officiating. Burial will be in Falls Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call 3-7 pm Wednesday, at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Wabash or Urbana Yoke Parish.
The memorial guest book for Ron may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
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