Fr. Baer was born Aug. 5, 1930, in Marshfield, Wis., to William and Mary (Seidl) Baer. He was invested in the Capuchin order in 1948, perpetually professed his vows in 1952 and was ordained in 1955.

Fr. Baer served in many ministries in Michigan and Wisconsin, including as director of the province’s Detroit-based office of foreign missions from 2004-11. He also served as director of continuing formation for 12 years and as a 15-year member of the provincial council. In 2002, Fr. Baer authored A Romance of Lady Poverty Revisited, a history of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph. He also served in pastoral ministry in Saginaw.

Fr. Baer is survived by his Capuchin brothers. A liturgy of Christian burial was celebrated April 22 at the St. Lawrence Seminary Chapel in Mount Calvary, Wis. Burial will follow in the St. Lawrence Friary Cemetery.