John “JB” Baehr, 69
John “JB” Baehr, of Plover, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on May 27, 2024, at the age of 69.
John was born on April 27, 1955, in Minneapolis, the son of Robert and Joan (Johnson) Baehr. He grew up in the Twin Cities area and graduated from Armstrong Senior High School in Plymouth, Minn., in 1973.
After high school, John entered the workforce and spent many years working for Genuine Parts Company (NAPA) until his retirement in 2017. In 1984, John met Melanie “Mel” Laqua in Blaine, Minn. The couple married in 1986 in Williston, N.D., and together they built a life filled with love, welcoming two children, Matthew and Lizzie. After retiring, John served as a Players Assistant and Marshall for SentryWorld Golf Course. Though he could no longer golf due to his health, he took pride in ensuring a great experience for other golfers.
John valued family and community deeply. He cherished his years with his NAPA family and was immensely proud of his own family. His eyes lit up whenever he spoke of Mel, their children, and their dog, Harley. As his family grew, so did his love.
John was active in his community, serving on the boards of the United Way of Portage County and the United Way of Mount Vernon, Ill. He was a member of the Stevens Point Rotary Club, Friends of Standing Rock, and the Elks Club in Fort Wayne, Ind. Known for his quick wit and storytelling, John made many friends and was well-known for his banana cake and life stories. His graciousness and love for family, friends, and faith will be greatly missed.
John is survived by his wife, Mel; his children, Matthew (Jessica) and Lizzie; and his beloved dog, Harley. He is also survived by his siblings, Michael (Connie) and Cindy (David); his brothers-in-law, Loren (Karen) and Del (Jean); his sisters-in-law, Jeanette (Rich), Patty (Ted), and Phyllis; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Joan; his in-laws, Francis and Lovella Laqua; his brother-in-law, Jerry LeDosquet; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is also reunited with his beloved pets, Molly, Chutney, Moon Light, and Smokey, at the Rainbow Bridge.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Marshfield Weston Hospital and Clinics, Stevens Point River Region Hospital Oncology Center and Clinic, and Compassus Hospice for their care.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in John’s honor to the Portage County Humane Society (www.hspcwi.org) or the Friends of Standing Rock for the Speckmann Dog Park (https://cfcwi.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1089), noting “John Baehr – Friends of Standing Rocks.” Checks can also be made out to the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin with the memo “John Baehr – Friends of Standing Rocks.”
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Shuda Funeral Home, 3200 Stanley Street, Stevens Point. An additional service will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church in Minneapolis on Friday, July 26, 2024.