Gareth L. Baer 1963-2025

Gareth was born June 2, 1963, in Youngstown, the son of Harold and Effie Ropp Baer. In his younger years, his family lived and worked on Barth Farms in Poland.

Gareth was a 1981 graduate of Youngstown Christian School and attended Hesston College (Hesston, Kansas) for one year, focusing on agriculture. He went on to drive a dump truck for Ed Wilson & Son Trucking in New Springfield and a bulk feed truck for Witmer’s Feed & Grain in Columbiana. In 1994, he began working for Snyder & Son Farms in New Springfield, where he enjoyed driving many Peterbilt semitrucks over the years and traveled hundreds of thousands of miles.

Gareth was an active member at North Lima Mennonite Church. His love for the Lord and his church family showed as he served as an elder, Sunday school teacher and trustee, and he was very involved in the sound and media “nest.”

Gareth loved and led his family well. He enjoyed spending time with them, whether it was working on a project together, playing card games or Scrabble, having chicken BBQs, a pickup game of basketball, vacationing, playing with his grandchildren and being called “Boopa,” or just being together and eating popcorn or egg sandwiches on a quiet Sunday evening.

Gareth is survived by his beloved wife, Karla Strite Baer, whom he married Aug. 13, 1994; his daughter, Lauren (Jason) Mueller of Halstead, Kansas; his sons, Landon (Kenzie) Baer of Owasso, Oklahoma, and Logan Baer of North Lima; grandchildren, Bennett and Sawyer Mueller, Isaac Baer and a granddaughter expected later this year. Gareth also is survived by his sisters, Gloria (Ed) Wilson of New Springfield and Marlene Witmer of Chickamauga, Georgia; and his brother, Arnie (Dawn) Baer of LaGrange, Kentucky. He was greatly loved by nieces, nephews and their families.

Gareth was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Gerald Witmer.

The family will receive friends 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, at North Lima Mennonite Church. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, at the church, with Pastor Adam Shank officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Gareth will be remembered for his deep faith, quiet strength and unwavering commitment to his wife and family. His kindness, humor and gentle spirit left a lasting impact on all who knew him. Though deeply missed, he leaves behind countless cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of those he loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to North Lima Mennonite Church, 90 Mennonite Drive, North Lima, OH 44452 or Wycliffe Bible Translators, P.O. Box 628200, Orlando, FL 32862.

The family has entrusted Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in North Lima with the arrangements for their loved one. Family and friends are invited to visit www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to sign the guestbook or send private condolences.

(special notice)