Irene Baier

Irene Baier, 85, of Sauk Rapids, MN, formerly of Elbow Lake and Alexandria, died Friday, June 29, 2018, at Wildwood Assisted Living in Sauk Rapids.

Irene Julie Mucha Baier was born September 26, 1932, in Znaim, Czechoslovakia to Johann and Frantiska Mucha. Irene’s mother passed away at an early age, leaving four children. They spent some time in an orphanage before their father remarried and they rejoined as a family. She grew up in Czechoslovakia until after World War II. Her father was German, so when the second World War ended, all Germans were forced to leave. The family escaped by foot, traveling through Austria and back to Germany. Irene worked in factories after high school.

When Irene was 19, she met U. S. Army Corporal Elmer Baier stationed in Kornwestheim, Germany. They were married on March 5, 1955. In 1956, when Elmer’s term was up, they left Germany and moved to Staples, MN where Elmer’s family resided. In 1964, they moved to the Herman/Elbow Lake area where Elmer worked farming and Irene continued to stay home with the kids. When all seven kids were in school, she went to work for Fingerhut, baked pies for Home 20 in Elbow Lake, and then worked at the Thorson Memorial library for 10 years. After Elmer passed in 1999, Irene resided in Elbow Lake for some time then moved to Alexandria. In 2017, she moved to Wildwood Assisted Living in Sauk Rapids.

Irene was an excellent cook of German foods and baked items. Sunday dinners were always a feast fit for a king. Irene loved to fish, and she spent much time fishing with family and alone.

Irene is survived by seven children, Rose (Duane Weller) of Buffalo, Jim Baier (Deborah) of Rice, Mary Ann (Jim Berg) of Sauk Rapids, Barbara Larsen of Garfield, John Baier (Jenny) of Royal, Iowa, Paul Baier (Anita) of Benson and Michael Baier of Sioux Falls, SD; fifteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandson.

Irene was proceeded in death by her husband Elmer and granddaughter, Angela Weller.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Mass of Christian Burial:  10 AM Saturday, July 7, 2018, at St. Olaf Catholic Church, Elbow Lake, with visitation one hour prior to services.

Clergy:  Father Jeremy Ploof

Interment: Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls, Minnesota

Arrangements by Erickson-Smith Funeral Home, Elbow Lake

Online Guestbook:  EricksonSmithFH.com