- Date Of Birth: December 24, 1930
- Date Of Death: August 19, 2021
- State: Iowa
Bill Baehr, 90, completed a full and accomplished life on Thursday, August 19 while surrounded by his wife and family.
Bill was born in Des Moines on December 24, 1930 to George and Esther Baehr, and grew up in the Beaverdale neighborhood. He met the love of his life, Pat (Liddle), at Callanan Junior High in 1943. Bill received football all-state honors as a tackle at Roosevelt High School (class of ’49), and played two years with the Iowa Hawkeyes. At the University of Iowa he was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and graduated in 1953. While at the U of I, Bill joined ROTC, was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, and later served in Korea.
Bill and Pat were married in 1952, and raised four children. He joined his father’s business, Baehr Realty Company, and built a successful career as an agent in residential sales. Bill and Pat spent their summers at their Outing Club lake home in Clear Lake, where they hosted many family reunions.
Bill was tough, as an athlete and in business. He had strong convictions, yet also had a very tender side. Bill was known by many as he helped clients buy and sell homes, many several times over. He was awarded the distinction of Realtor Emeritus by the National Association of Realtors for 40 years of valuable and lasting contribution to the real estate profession. He loved the Des Moines community and was always on top of civic projects and development. He was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes. In retirement, Bill and Pat spent winters in Bonita Bay, Florida and took numerous car trips around the U.S. He enjoyed playing golf, and riding a bike, which he did until age 87. He maintained a daily workout regimen well into his eighties.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Pat, and three children: Jim (Sherry), Bob (Kelly) and Carolyn (Derick) Rill. In addition, he leaves behind six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Steve Baehr, and grandson Bennett Rill.
The family would like to thank the medical team for their professional and compassionate care. Memorials on Bill’s behalf may be directed to the John Stoddard Cancer Center.
