Henry "Hank" G. Baier
Henry George Baier, age 79, of Menomonie, passed on March 21, 2023, at home in the arms of his wife Mary and daughters in Menomonie, WI.
“Hank” was born to Earl and Evelyn (Bates) Baier from Eau Galle, WI in Durand, WI on October 4 1943. He was the youngest of four boys. Hank graduated from Durand High School in 1961 with life long friends. He graduated from UW Eau Claire in 1965. During his college years he met Mary Kadinger and it was love at first sight. Right after college, he enlisted into the Air Force to serve his country during the Vietnam War. The two married at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Menomonie, a cold day, the 27th of Dec. 1965, shortly before his deployment to Bentwaters Base in England.
Hank and Mary enjoyed 3 years abroad where they made many lifelong friends, a common occurrence for the generous couple. They returned to California for his last year of service, then made their way back home to Wisconsin to be with family and start their own. Daughter Jennifer was welcomed in 1969 followed by Stacey in 1971. He was first and foremost a family man. He made hot breakfasts to order for his girls, took them to school, picked them up, attended every event and was their biggest cheerleaders.
Hank started with State Farm Insurance in 1969 and grew an amazing agency, feeling like it was more of an extended family. During this time, he was honored as a Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus, participated in the Optimist Club and for decades sponsored many children abroad with the Christian Children’s Fund. Hank was very active member in his church, St. Joe’s. He retired from State Farm in 2008. He went no where in the area without running into someone he knew. After retirement the two enjoyed wintering in Texas then Florida. They welcomed 3 grandchildren during this time and remained very busy reaping the rewards of decades well spent.
Hank’s talents and curiosities were many. He enjoyed cooking, fishing, camping, dancing, bowling, golf, gardening, spending time with family and friends, and snowmobiling in his younger years. Travels with Mary were extensive. The two explored Europe, loved to cruise and included his daughters often. Hank loved to make people laugh and had a smile and a kind word to all he met. His example of how to move through difficult times was inspirational. He supported people when he shared his health news and supported the same as they moved through their own. Hank was an exemplary human touching countless. His legacy is his demonstration of how to live a life of love, laughter, dignity and courage.
Hank is survived by his wife, Mary, two daughters, Jennifer (Michael) Gilhousen and Stacey Baier; three grandchildren, Gab Baier, Grace and Bennett Gilhousen; a sister-in-law, Marlene Baier, other-in-laws, Judy Brantner, Dave Kadinger & Jerry Kadinger; twelve God Children, many loving nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Eugene in infancy, Joseph and Richard; a special aunt and uncle, Margaret and Paul Weber.
Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, March 25, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Menomonie with Rev. John Mano officiating. A Knights of Columbus Rosary Service will be held at 9:30 AM Saturday followed by a visitation at 10:00 AM until the time of the services, all at the church. Burial will be at a later date at St. Henry’s Cemetery in Eau Galle.