Bernie Baar, 91, of Fenton, IL, died peacefully at his home on Friday, December 4, 2020, surrounded by his family.
Bernie was born February 24, 1929, in Morrison, IL, to John and Jennie (Brontsema) Baar. He was educated at Bunker Hill rural school and then Morrison High School. He served in the U. S. Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, NC, from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean Conflict. On June 3, 1948, he married Neva Nelson in Morrison. Bernie farmed his whole life in the “peat bottoms” and raised his family on Baar’s Potato Farm near Fenton. He was a life-long member of Ebenezer Reformed Church and the Morrison Sportsmen’s Club, enjoying trapshooting every Friday night. He also enjoyed coyote and fox hunting in the winter months. Bernie was known for his very firm handshake.
Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Neva; daughters, Sue (Doug) Leslie of Clinton, IA, Mary (Kim) Schaefer of Morrison, Beth Anne (Scott Meinsma) Balk of Morrison, Shelley (Phil) Harold of DeKalb, IL; son, Steve (Gwen) Baar of Morrison; 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; sister, Gert (Elmer) Huizenga of Morrison.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one infant daughter at birth, Shari Lee.
A private family Graveside Service will be held at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, IL, with Ken Renkes officiating.
The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
A memorial to Morrison Sportsmen’s Club has been established.