Joseph Zelmon Baer Jr., 80, of Eldon, died at 1:45 a.m. February 6, 2026 at Good Samaritan Society-Ottumwa.
He was born September 29, 1945 in Omaha, NE to Joseph Z. and Helen Lewis Baer Sr. Joe married Sharon Daggett and they later divorced. He married Louise Mumper on August 15, 1987 and she preceded him in death on November 7, 2014.
Joe graduated from high school while living in Omaha. He served with the U.S. Navy for 4 years during the Vietnam War, serving aboard the USS Boston.
He lived in Massachusetts for several years and then moved to Iowa where he met his wife, Louise. He earned a degree in auto body from Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa.
Joe had worked in a steel forge as well as for Boomsma Egg Processing while living in Pella. He drove a truck for various companies, worked for Excel and for Universal Rundle in Ottumwa.
Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, working with his guns and woodworking.
Surviving are his children, Julie (Scott) Tyler of Council Bluffs and Joseph (Tammy) Baer of Florida; step-children, Bryon Cundiff and Tammy (Gary) Harland; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a sister Beverly Kallenbach of Bellwood, NE.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Linda Sabata, Rita Marie Grohmann, Marge Booth, infant Janice Kay Baer and Elmer Baer.
His body has been cremated. Private services are planned.
