Randy Baier

Born in Ebner Coulee on September 6, 1938, to Harvey and Edna (Dummer) Baier, Randy was a man with eclectic interests and accomplishments. He was a poet and pilot, hobo and horticulturist, student and sailor, but above all, he was a man of the soil. As he would say, a plain dirt farmer.

Randy took pride and pleasure in graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Ornamental Horticulture, serving in the U.S. Navy on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Saipan (CLV-48) and the Seaplane Tender U.S.S. Currituck (AV7), and becoming a pilot.

He was best known for operating Baier Nursery on the family farm at 29th and Cass Streets, landmarked by the big red barn.

Throughout his career, Randy made many lasting friendships, and in retirement found that it was the people he missed, not the plants. He especially enjoyed spending time with his lunch buddies on Wednesdays.

Randy is survived by three sons, Steven (Pam) Baier, Mark (Amelia) Baier, and their children, Kimberly and Matthew, and John Baier; and their mother, Katherine Baier. He is also survived by one daughter, Sarah (Jai) Kalsy, and their daughter, Aubrey; and Sarahs mother, Charlotte Baier, his best friend. Also surviving is one brother, Terrence (Diane) Baier, and their children, Heidi (Robert) Cary, Stacy (Randy) Knapp, and Scott Preston; and his long-time best buddy, Tom (Mary) Genz. He was preceded in death by his parents; and many aunts and uncles.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, August 8th, at 10:30 a.m., at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1333 So. 13th St., La Crosse. Rev. Rick Roberts will officiate. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, 200 West Ave. So., La Crosse, on Tuesday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., and at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.