Kids & Family
Local Icon and War Hero, Bob Baer, Has Passed Away
Baer was the owner of Dan's Tog Shop on Main Street, served his country in World War II, and played a crucial role in improving Falls for downtown businesses.
Menomonee Falls lost one of its most dedicated residents, businessmen, and war heroes last night.
Bob Baer, owner of Dan's Tog Shop, passed away at the age of 88 Monday night. Baer will be remembered by many residents as the man who helped keep the village in style, and a man who epitomized the concept of customer service. But Baer, though a quiet man, was also a catalyst of positive change in Menomonee Falls, and served his country proudly in World War II.
"He was the quintessential gentleman. That’s the simplest and most direct way I can describe him," said Village BID Chairman Steve Sykora, who was a member of the board with Baer for seven years. " He’s going to be hard to replace, because he cared so much about the entire village."
Others remembered Baer's old-school approach to service and putting the customer first.
"I loved how, when I was a teenager, I could walk in there to shop for my dad and Bob knew my dad well enough to put some things together and let me have choices. He was always so friendly and brought such a warmth to the room," said Menomonee Falls resident Ann Meyer.
Another resident recalled a time when Baer helped the family out of a Homecoming Day jam.
"Such an awesome person. We were in desperate need of someone who knew how to tie a bowtie just this last Homecoming," said Falls' Pamela Minor. "No one knew how except Bob and he patiently waited for us to get there, he took the time to show us how to do it , we took pictures, and he gave us cookies on the way out."
Baer's dedication to serving his customers was felt on yet another resident.
"My dad worked across the street at F&M Bank. Mr. Baer would bring several suits over for my dad to pick out. Now, that was service," said Falls resident Sarah France. "He was truly a gentleman and will be missed by all of Menomonee Falls."
Village President Randy Newman gave Baer a distinct title for his prominence on Main Street.
"Bob was the Mayor of Main Street," Newman wrote in an email to Patch. "He gave tirelessly to the Menomonee Falls community. He took great pride in the village and had a passion for the downtown business district. Bob is one of our finest citizens and will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to
Bob's family and friends."
More Than a Business Owner
Baer moved to Menomonee Falls when he was six years old and has lived in the village ever since. He joined the military immediately following his graduation in 1943. Baer was among the reinforcements sent to Normandy, France the day after the D-Day invasion.Baer helped continue the crucial fight in Company E, 317th Infantry Division. He spent three weeks living in a foxhole behind enemy lines, and fought in the North French and German campaigns until he was honorably discharged in 1945. Baer avoided battle wounds, but received other injuries during his deployment.
Baer’s heroic actions on the battlefield earned him several medals, but a fire four decades ago at a military records center in St. Louis destroyed countless records — including Baer’s. In August 2012, a special surprise ceremony was held at North Hills Country Club to present Baer with those medals, which were 67 years overdue. His highest honor was the Bronze Star Medal, which recognizes acts of heroism and meritorious achievement in ground combat, and is the fourth highest combat award for U.S. Armed Forces.
But when Baer returned from the war, he also played in deep and active role in Menomonee Falls. He served as the Chamber of Commerce president, vice president of , director of the Main Street Association (or BID), and director of Falls’ Fall Fair. He was an Eagle Scout and a 36-year member of the Rotary Club.
He was in the Tog Shop as much as he could be, until his final days.
"To see someone at that age, go to work everyday, it gave you hope for the Golden Years. You can still participate and play an active role in the community," said current BID Director Barb Watters.
Watters said restricting truck traffic along Main Street was one of Baer's biggest but unfinished projects he wanted to bring to downtown.
"He always wanted truck traffic off Main Street. We always wanted to get that done before he died, but that isn't going to happen," Watters said holding back a tear or two.
If you have a favorite memory of Baer, or would just like to share a few thoughts about his impact on the community, please share in the comments section below.
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