Gerald Baier

Gerald K. Baier, age 76, of Traverse City passed away Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at the Grand Traverse Pavilions. He was born May 4, 1934 in Cheboygan, Michigan to Kenneth and Ethel (Hagstrom) Baier. Gerald graduated from Central High in Flint, Michigan. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served from 1952 until 1956. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Forestry from Michigan State University. On November 23, 1965 Gerald married the late Nancy Ann Blom in Flint. Together they raised a son, Robert.

After college Gerald worked for the United States Forest Service for a few years, in places like Sisters Montana and the Olympic National Forest in Washington State. He was then hired by Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. He spent time working on rubber plantations in Liberia, the Philippines and Ghana. He retired from Firestone after more than 30 years of service in 1991.

After retirement Gerald moved to Traverse City to help take care of his mother. He loved boating, music, and western movies.

Gerald is survived by a son Robert Baier of Rosemond, CA; dear friend and caretaker Cheryl Jasmund; Brother and Sister-in-law Jim and Irene Blom; nieces and nephews: Les Nadasi, Sandra Lemmon, Lon McQueer, Briana Cason, Douglas Blom, and Jamie Blom.

Besides his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by his wife Nancy in 1976, and sister Lou Ellyn “Tara” Erickson in 1998.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Covell Funeral Home in Traverse City, with visitation 1 hour prior.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home in Traverse City.