Billy Joe Baer, 67 of Kearney passed away Saturday, June 20, 2020 at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney.
Billy Joe Baer was born August 3, 1952 in Kearney, Nebraska to Herbert and Belva (Gillming) Baer. He was raised in Kearney and received his education from Kearney High School, graduating with the class of 1970. In 1972, Billy Joe was united in marriage to Tracy Sisler in Kearney, NE. To this union, two children were blessed: Brian and Leslie.
Billy Joe's fierce work ethic was instilled at a young age growing up and working on a family farm just north of Kearney. At age 17 he began work for Monarch Construction and quickly rose to the rank of Concrete and Steel Crew Foreman. In 1974 he began his career at Eaton Corporation as an Auto Tender. His final 6 years, he was a Gauge Room Attendant. During his 35-year career at Eaton, Billy Joe received several attendance awards including one 10 year perfect attendance recognition.
Following retirement in 2008. Billy Joe's hobbies included prairie dog hunting, bird watching, yardwork and doing projects around the house. He enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters, family, friends and classmates.
He was a Kearney Fire Department and Rescue Squad volunteer from 1974-1977. Billy Joe was also a lifelong member and neighbor of the Kearney First United Methodist Church. He regularly helped with the church yardwork and snow removal.
Left to cherish his memory are his son, Brian Baer and fiancé, Jessica Galaska of Kearney; daughter, Leslie Cook and husband, Court of Scottsbluff; grandchildren, McKenna Baer, Lily Cook, Riley Cook and Josephine Galaska; brother, Danny Baer and wife, Peggy of Kearney; sisters, Marilyn VanVleet and husband, Rod and Nancy Brehm all of Kearney; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.
Billy Joe was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Tim Brehm.
Memorial services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 11, 2020 at Kearney First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Alan Davis officiating. Interment will follow at Kearney Cemetery. A visitation will be held 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday July 10th at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney.
Memorials are suggested to the Kearney First United Methodist Church. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.