Richard S. Baer

Dick Baer, son of Ted and Genevieve Baer of Chicago, passed away on April 16, 2026 at his home in Wilmette, IL at the age of 105. He is survived by Phyllis, his loving wife of 73 years, sons Geoffrey and his wife Amelia Kohm, of Evanston, IL, Tom and his wife Tina, of Wilmette, IL, and his daughter Catherine and her husband Peter Gorman of Mount Horeb, WI. He is also survived by six grandchildren.

Dick grew up in Chicago just south of Jackson Park and was a graduate of both Hyde Park High School and the University of Chicago where he earned a Master of Business Administration. A World War II veteran, he spent three years in the Persian Gulf Command where he achieved the rank of technical sergeant.

After the army Dick began a career as a CPA, opening his first practice on North Michigan Avenue in Chicago. He worked several years solo, then joined with partners to form the firm of Robbins, Baer & Baygood, later Robbins, Baer, Baygood & Telpner, both in the Chicago Loop, where Dick spent the remainder of his career, retiring in 1988.

During retirement, Dick and his wife Phyllis volunteered for dozens of years at both the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Botanic Garden. In 2015 Dick was named the Garden’s official Poet Laureate. Dick loved writing poetry, and is the author of the book Humor on Wry. He had a passion for photography and folk music. He met Phyllis at a folk dance in Chicago and after they married, they taught folk dancing together. Dick also called square dances, sometimes with his brother David. Family and friends loved his humorous Christmas cards which he created every year from the 1940s until the 2000s.

When Dick was born Woodrow Wilson was president. His long life was full of both hard work and joy. He saw difficult times like the Great Depression, World War II, the cold war, the turbulent 1960s, September 11, and the troubled time we are in right now. If asked what enabled him to live so well for so long, he would say it was his sense of humor (which all who knew him agreed was extraordinary), his more than common sense, and the love and support of his wife and kids.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date. Donations in Dick’s memory may be sent c/o Folklore Village, 3210 County BB, Dodgeville, WI 53533 (indicate “Dick Baer Memorial” in the memo line), or made online here (https://secure.givelively.org/donate/folklore-village-farm-inc) (“dedicate” to Dick Baer).