Obituary of Nettie Baer

Passed away peacefully at Parkwood Mennonite Home, on Saturday, July 28, 2012 just before her 90th birthday. Nettie is survived by her sister in law Grace Weber her brother John Redekopp in Winkler, MB, sister Tina Wiebe and sister Anne Braun both from Abbotsford, BC.and sister in-law Holda Fast. Nettie was predeceased by her husband Raymond Baer, her parents Peter P. and Helena Redekopp and by siblings Helen (Thiessen), Peter, Jake and Nicolai who died at the age of 2 in Russia and in-laws Peter Thiessen, Anne (Peter), Katherine (John), Elsa (Jake), Bernhard Martynes and Dietrich Wiebe (Tina) and John Braun (Anne). Dearly loved by many nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews from both the Baer and Redekopp families who will miss her greatly. Nettie was born on August 4th, 1922 in Gnadenthal, Russia. Nettie's family emigrated from Russia in July, 1923 and arrived in the middle of August. They settled in the village of Gnadenthal just south of Winkler. Nettie barely survived the trip and remained a sickly child not doing well in school for a number of years. At Bible School a friend invited her to Kitchener to work with MCC in the clothing department. It was here that she first met Ray Baer. In February 1954 Nettie volunteered with MCC for two years in Wedel, Germany to be the cook and matron for a group of young men under the PAX program. On her return home she worked x-ray and lab technician and studied to become a registered technician receiving the highest award for excellence in all areas at graduation! After graduation Nettie worked in a doctor's office as lab and x-ray technician for several years. On visiting Kitchener, Nettie again met Ray Baer, the romance was rekindled and Ray and Nettie were married July 13, 1968. They established their home on 75 St George St. in Kitchener and were long time members of First Mennonite Church. They lived on St George St. until Ray died and Nettie moved into the personal care home. In Kitchener Nettie abandoned her lab technician career and took up pottery. She was an active member of the Waterloo Potters Workshop and had a booth at the Kitchener Market for many years. In addition to selling pottery she sold feather pillows, comforters, goose eggs, etc. for the Brethren of Early Christianity. After Ray's death on October 13, 2003 Nettie seemed to be doing OK. She even purchased a new kiln. In the spring of 2004, Nettie's health began to deteriorate, eventually moving to St. Luke's Place and then Parkwood Mennonite Home where she passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 28, 2012. Nettie's easy smile, hospitality and generosity were felt by everyone who met her. Family and friends are invited to share memories of Nettie during visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Thursday, August 2 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service celebrating Nettie's life and faith will be held at First Mennonite Church, 800 King St. E., Kitchener on Friday, August 3, 2012 at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in First Mennonite Cemetery. Following the graveside service, a reception will be held in the church fellowship hall. In Nettie's memory, donations may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee or the House of Friendship by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.