Orville Baer, Jr.
courtesy photo
Orville Baer, Jr.
RONAN — Orville Jerome Baer, Jr. passed away peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. He was born in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, on June 11, 1937, to Orville Jerome and Leona Fay (McGuire) Baer, Sr. Orville earned a bachelor’s degree from Union College, Master of Divinity from Andrews University, and a Master of Public Health from Loma Linda University. He served as a church minister for 28+ years, Police Chaplain, and Hospital Chaplain. Orville started and led the volunteer hospital chaplain program at St. Luke’s Hospital.
While attending college, Orville learned to fly and started a flight instruction business. During retirement, he flew parachute jumpers, worked at the Ronan Schools as a substitute teacher, built a log home, worked at restoring an 1800’s carriage and grew the best tomatoes.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Baer; daughters, Malinda Freedman, Melody McWilliam; grandsons, Jesse Freedman, Jared Freedman, Joseph McWilliam; granddaughter, Kate McWilliam, four great grandchildren; six stepchildren, 10 stepgrandchildren and 13 step great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Orville will be at the Ronan Seventh-day Adventist Church, 36334 Mud Creek Lane, Ronan, on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, at 1 p.m. with interment to follow at the Ronan Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.shriderthompson.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Shrider – Thompson Funeral Home.
