David Darwin Baer

Dave Baer, 86, of Bloomington, Indiana, passed away on February 25, 2020. He was born on November 6, 1933, to Gladys and David Baer, in Dubuque, Iowa. Following graduation from Franklin High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Dave attended the University of Iowa for two years, and then joined the US Navy in 1953, attaining the rank of Lieutenant, having been a Red Hot Jet Pilot, primarily flying the A4D Sky Hawk off the USS Ranger Navy aircraft carrier in the Atlantic Ocean. Dave loved the A4D Sky Hawk, but occasionally had to fly the Vought F7U Cutlass, which he and his fellow pilots cursed with some frequency. David met Terry, truly the love of his life in 1956, and they married in 1957, holding their reception in a converted chicken coop at Terry’s parent’s house in Pennsylvania, a story he loved to tell. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1958, Dave returned to the University of Iowa to finish his BBA degree in Finance in 1960. Dave was a successful banker for 40 years, starting his career at the Northern Trust in Chicago, and culminating at the Monroe County State Bank, (now Old National), where Dave served as President starting in 1981, retiring as President and Chairman of the Board in 2001. Dave believed deeply in service. He served as Chairman of the Indiana Bankers Association, President of the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, and on the Bloomington Hospital Board. He was also a proud recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash. As much as Dave achieved professionally in his life, his favorite titles were Husband, Father and Grandpa. Dave and Terry were married for 62 years. His children include Scott (Kim) born in 1958, Anita (Peter) born in 1960, and Jenny (Charley) born in 1963. He and Terry have 9 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. Dave is survived by his sister, Jean Glaza of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, his wife Terry of Bloomington, and his three children. Dave was a loving, generous, good-humored, patient and kind husband, father and grandfather who will be missed dearly and remembered eternally. Visitation will be Saturday, February 29th from11:00AM to 12:45PM at St. Mark’s Methodist Church. The funeral service will follow at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Bloomington Health Foundation, Bloomington-Monroe County Community Foundation, or your favorite charity.

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David Darwin Baer

November 6, 1933 - February 25, 2020