Raymond 'Craig" Baer

Raymond “Craig” Baer, age 69, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 29th. He leaves behind a legacy of service, love, and laughter. He was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on November 12, 1956, to the late Raymond Carl Baer and Shirley Tilton. From a very early age, Craig knew he wanted to serve in the United States Navy, following in the footsteps of his Uncle Eugene. While still in high school, as soon as he turned 17, he told his mom it was time—she needed to take him to the recruiter’s office. Craig signed the papers, committed himself fully, and began the journey that would shape much of his life. He reported to boot camp on August 21, 1974. Craig’s Navy career took him to many places. He served aboard a number of vessels, including the USS Norton Sound, USS Spartanburg County, USS Moinester, and the USS Kirk; as well as being assigned various duty stations, both in the U.S. and abroad. Through social media, he reconnected with his fellow shipmates, bringing him great joy. Upon returning stateside, Craig was assigned as a company commander at the Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. While there, he met the love of his life, Shari. Many people have asked over the years how Craig and Shari met. Their story began at the wedding of two fellow servicemembers. They were later married in a chapel on base, surrounded by friends and family. A few years later, they welcomed their son, Patrick, and not long after, their daughter, Rachel. Craig’s final duty station brought the family to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where they would raise their children and build their life together. As Craig approached the end of his Navy career, he enrolled in diesel truck driving school and began driving locally while still on active duty. After completing 20 years of honorable service, Craig retired from the Navy and continued driving over the road. One of his favorite chapters of that time was when Shari left her job and joined him on the road for nearly two years. Together, they traveled the country and visited family and friends—turning long miles into lasting memories. In later years, Craig worked as a truck driver for the Green Bay Post Office and, just before retiring, drove for a local chocolate company, delivering chocolate to various locations—a job that seemed fitting for someone who enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. Craig and Shari shared many interests and adventures together. They took ballroom dance lessons—though Shari never quite learned to let Craig lead. They learned to scuba dive and spent countless hours tackling home improvement projects side by side. Craig loved hosting and attending dinner clubs with friends, especially when they involved themed meals and costumes. You could always count on Craig for a laugh, a story, or a perfectly timed joke. When the family purchased their “up north” property, Craig found a new passion. He started a YouTube channel documenting his work and family time at the Baer Family Camp. He was genuinely excited with every new subscriber and loved sharing that excitement with his grandson, Jaxon. Craig also enjoyed the friendships he made with other content creators—and, of course, the occasional freebies from vendors didn’t hurt either. The camp, seven acres of land about 45 miles north of Green Bay, became a place Craig truly loved. He built hunting blinds, created food plots for deer, and meticulously monitored his many trail cameras. His joy for that land, and the memories made there, live on through his videos and the stories they tell. Above all else, Craig loved his family deeply. He was immensely proud of Patrick and Rachel, who kept him on his toes with their humor and good-natured teasing. His devotion to his family, his service to his country, and his joy for life are the legacy he leaves behind. Above all, Craig was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, Shari; his children: Patrick Baer, Rachel Kerin (fiancé Jeff Balthazor), Raymond (Eleanor) Baer and Jason (Patrice)Baer, grandchildren: Jaxon, Caitlene, Chloe, Jamerson, Jerson, Jameson, and Jermaine. Brothers; Rich (Beth) Baer, Mitch Baer. He is further survived by nephews: John and Cody; and niece Kristen. And countless close friends. Craig will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his country, his deep love for his family, his adventurous spirit, and his gift for bringing joy to others. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Aurora Hospice staff; in particular Chelsey his CNA and Angie his nurse. Along with the staff at the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center. Gathering of family and friends will be held from 1:30 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Friday, April 3, 2026 at Hamlet Creek, 3562 Finger Road Green Bay, WI. Words of Remembrance will be held at 3:00 P.M. followed by Military Honor Rites. Burial at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Raymond 'Craig" Baer

November 12, 1956 - March 29, 2026