Steven R. Baer

Steven Ray Baer, 65, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 8, 1958, in Normal, IL, to Raymond and Dorothy (Zimmerman) Baer, Steve spent his formative years on the family farm in El Paso, IL, with his three younger siblings: Sandra, Brenda, and Bradley. 

After graduating from El Paso High School in 1976, Steve attended the University of Illinois where he was affectionately nicknamed “Sugar Ray” by his Alpha Tau Omega fraternity brothers. During his time there, he met the love of his life, Cynthia. They married on October 9, 1983, and together raised four daughters: Stephanie, Rebecca, Catherine, and Emily. 

Steve was an active member of St. Anne Catholic Church, supporting his community through mission trips and serving as a Eucharistic minister. He found great fulfillment in his career, first as a trader on the CBOE and later guiding patients at Cancer Treatment Centers of America and City of Hope. 

Steve's greatest joy came from spending quality time with loved ones. He was full of boundless energy and enthusiasm, embracing daily bootcamp workouts, competing in races, perfecting his golf swing, playing pickleball, and fishing. Steve lived fully every day, and his infectious smile impacted everyone he encountered. 

Steve is survived by his wife of 40 years, Cynthia; his daughters: Stephanie (Michael) SanFilippo, Rebecca Hendrix, Catherine (Sean) Lyman, and Emily Baer; his mother, Dorothy; and his siblings: Sandra (William) Lines, Brenda (Matthew) Levatich, and Bradley (Linda) Baer.

He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond. 

To celebrate Steve's life, a visitation will be held on Friday, August 9th, from 4-8 PM at Davenport Family Funeral Home in Barrington. A Mass will be held on Saturday, August 10th, at 12 PM at St. Anne Catholic Church in Barrington. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gateway for Cancer Research.