Jerald Lamont Baier

Jerald Lamont Baier, age 89, of Sioux Rapids, Iowa passed away Sunday, February 12, 2023 at the Spencer Hospital in Spencer, Iowa.

Funeral services will take place Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Church in Sioux Rapids. Burial will be in the Oakland Cemetery in Peterson, Iowa. Visitation will be held Friday, February 17, 2023 from 4-7:00 p.m. at the Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids is in charge of the arrangements.

Jerald (Jerry) Lamont Baier was born to Lamont J Baier and Ruth Delphine (Vaux) Baier. Jerry was born in Peterson, Iowa on January 5, 1934. He passed away at age 89 following a courageous three year battle with an aggressive cancer.

Jerry was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Peterson, IA. Jerry graduated from Peterson Consolidated School in 1951 where he was involved in music and sports. Jerry was united in marriage to Shirley Janice Negus on March 24, 1954. Jerry was drafted into the Army on April 16, 1954 and served as a Fixed Radio Attendant in Saran, France. Upon his return he worked for Northwestern Light & Power which later became Iowa Electric Light & Power Company where he worked for 40 years. 

After moving to Sioux Rapids in 1969 Jerry joined the Sioux Rapids Fire Department and served for over 40 years. He was also a member of American Legion Post #394 serving for over 38 years and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Jerry also served his community on the Sioux Rapids Swimming Pool Board for 10 years and the Planning & Zoning Board for 26 years. He was a member of the First United Church of Sioux Rapids serving on numerous committees throughout the years.

Jerry was an avid fan of Minnesota Twins and Vikings, as well as many Iowa college sports teams. He also spent many years hunting and fishing with friends and relatives. Jerry enjoyed the cabin on Spirit Lake for many years and gathered many friends and fishing buddies in the lakes region. Jerry and Shirley loved traveling and visited most of the 50 states. Jerry enjoyed his Coffee and Cards Buddies most weekdays and will miss taking their money playing Gin Rummy. Given his vast experiences, Jerry was always willing to make suggestions for how things should be done. His family will miss his ready smile and helpful nature.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years Shirley (Negus) Baier, parents Lamont & Ruth Baier, brother Eugene Baier, parents-in-law Orson and Elsie Negus, several sisters and brothers-in-law and great-grandson, Owen Roberts. 

Jerry is survived by his children: Bruce (Linda) Baier of Alta, IA; Pamela (Charles) Ahlrichs of Pocahontas, IA , Patricia (Gary) Juhl of La Porte City, IA; Melissa (Kyle) Gingrich of Marion, IA and Brian (Amy) Baier of Brandon, SD; grandchildren: Ben (Nishi) Baier, Jessie (Kyle) Hansen, Jamie (Aaron) Kennison, Rob (Kat Sterner) Ahlrichs, Libby (Curt) Roberts, Amanda (Darren) Mar, Kaitlin (Tyler) Steffen, Ryan (Kelsey) Gingrich, Jason (Alyssa) Gingrich, Samuel Gingrich, Emma (fiancé Austin Fritz)  Baier and Brandon Baier. He is also survived by 12 great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. 

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