Gregory "Greg" J. Baer

Gregory James Baer was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 22, 2024, after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer. Although he lost that fight, he ultimately won the final and most important victory, and is now pain free with his Lord and Savior in heaven.

Greg was born on October 4, 1950 to his parents Paul Baer and Carol Baer (Reiser).  He was born at Emmanuel hospital in Portland, Oregon. He was baptized into the Christian faith soon after at Grace Lutheran Church in Portland. 

Greg attended Hector Campbell Grade School, Dale Ickes Jr. High, and Milwaukie High School. He graduated from Milwaukie High School in 1968.  During his high school years, Greg became very involved in music and it was there that he learned to play the guitar. He loved playing and singing folk music with his friends. His love for music continued throughout his life and he became actively involved in playing guitar and singing for church. Greg and his brother Jim led worship together for many years.

Greg’s work career began early in life as he started working for his Dad at Boat City while still in high school.  It was there that he first learned about boating and developed his love for the water, which included boating and water skiing.  This continued when in 1969, he enlisted in the Coast Guard Reserve where he proudly served for 6 years.  One of the highlights of his time in the Coast Guard was when his ship came to Portland as a part of the Rose Festival fleet.

Greg married Lynn Walker on June 23, 1973 at Grace Lutheran Church and it was early in their married life when it became evident that they both shared a  love for the outdoors.  From camping with their kids when they were young, to buying a trailer later in life, he and Lynn continued to enjoy traveling and exploring new places together. Greg retired from a career at Freightliner in 2009, which allowed them the opportunity to travel even more.

Faith and family were always at the center of Greg’s life, which was clearly shown by his love for family and friends, and by the way he treated others.  He was a lifetime member of first Grace, and then Amazing Grace Lutheran Church.  It was this faith that carried him through his fight with cancer, knowing through it all that nothing could keep him from winning the prize of eternity in heaven.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Carol Baer.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Lynn; Siblings -  Marilyn Baer and Jim Baer, Children - Scott Baer and his wife Angie, and Jeannie Schroeder, and her husband Brad;  Grandchildren - Jordan Baer, Bradley Smith, Jennasee Baer, and Ryland Baer; and Great Grandchildren – Aria Penn, Casey Smith, and Birdie Smith.

A Memorial Service will be held for Greg on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 1:00 pm.

The service will be at Grace Lutheran Church, 7610 NE Fremont St.   Portland, OR   97213

All family and friends are welcome and a reception will follow for everyone.

For those who are unable to attend, but would like to see the service, it will be streamed live online at www.grace-wels.net or can be viewed later anytime on the same site.

In honor of Greg’s life, the family requests that any remembrances be made to one of the following:

The Glioblastoma Foundation

https://glioblastomafoundation.org/get-involved/donate

The Glioblastoma Research Organization

https://www.gbmresearch.org/