Joseph F. Baer

Joseph F. Baer, 88, of Goshen, passed away Sunday, February 16, 2014, at Greencroft Healthcare where he had been since October. He was born Nov. 3, 1925 in Hagerstown, Maryland to Isaac and Laura (Fuss) Baer. He is survived by two sons, Joseph N. (Patricia M.) Baer, Alden, New York, and David L. (Patricia A.) Baer, Goshen; four grandchildren, Allison (Jonathan) O'Conner, Bradley (Stephanie) Baer, Anna Baer, and Emily (Rory) Dunn; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Martin, Goshen; a brother, Daniel (Miriam) Baer, Harrisonburg, Virginia; and a special friend, Naomi Jantzi. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Catherine in 2008 and a daughter, Twila R. Baer in 1980. Joseph was ordained in 1953 and was the first pastor of Palm Grove Conservative Mennonite Church, Sarasota, Florida. He was assistant pastor of Alden Mennonite Church, Alden, New York from 1959-1986. Joseph taught at Alden Mennonite School from 1956 to 1960 and at West Seneca High School in New York from 1960- to 1985. From 1985 to 1989 Joseph and Catherine lived in Buffalo, New York, doing evangelistic work with international students. In July 1989 they retired at Greencroft, Goshen. Joseph was a member of College Mennonite Church. He volunteered at his church, Menno-Hof, and Greencroft, where he sang with the Evergreen Singers and taught Sunday school at Manor IV. Friends may call 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, February 21, 2014 in the Koinonia Room at College Mennonite Church where a 10:30 a.m. Saturday memorial service will be conducted. Pastor Rose Widmer will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in Alden, New York. Memorial contributions may be given to Mennonite Central Committee or Greencroft Foundation.