Ralph Atterton Baer

Ralph Atterton Baer passed away at home, surrounded by family, on December 22, 2025, in Layton, Utah. He was born to LeGrand Joseph Baer and Elda Rich Baer in Logan, Utah, on May 6, 1948. The fourth of eight children, Ralph grew up working alongside his father in construction, where he developed a deep love for family, a strong work ethic, and practical skills that served him throughout his life. As long as he had the right tools and a box of Band-Aids, he was able to fix anything. There was always a project in the works at his home, and he was frequently helping his children with projects at theirs.

After graduating from Olympus High School, Ralph served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Virginia and North Carolina. His dedication to church service continued throughout his life. He selflessly ministered to those around him. Ralph joked that his first experience serving in the church cannery would “count against some of the time he owed in Hell.” Still, he kept going back–and eventually spent many years serving in the Bishop’s Storehouse, which he came to love. He was thrilled to see his children and grandchildren serving in their own ways. Ralph was a lifelong student, continually seeking knowledge from scriptures and other good books. He loved family history research and helped others in their own research.

Ralph earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Utah and was always a “Utah Man.” While at the U, he met his future bride, Lynette Dean, on a blind date. Their long-distance relationship–while she attended BYU–led to a lengthy courtship and many years of in-house rivalry. They were married on August 18, 1972, in the Salt Lake Temple.

A physical therapist, Ralph worked in hospitals, his private practice, the Davis School District, and home health. Known for his generosity, he often bartered services for patients who could not pay and helped homebound patients find meaningful activities. In retirement, he used his therapy skills to deliver wheelchairs in developing countries. For over 30 years, he served in Rotary International, including a term as the District Area Governor. He attended Rotary meetings across the country and led projects such as Rotary Coats for Kids, providing coats for underprivileged children worldwide, and organizing Layton’s annual hot chocolate stand and Christmas train. He also was very involved in Scouting, earning the Silver Beaver Award.

Ralph was adventurous. He loved traveling, especially road trips where he wanted to stop at every sign and landmark. Lynette was always more worried about losing Ralph in museums than losing the children. He loved running and biking, even completing the 50-mile Bike the Bear just last year. In the kitchen he experimented with different spices, invented recipes that he could never reproduce, and loved trying different restaurants. His gumdrop cake will long be remembered. His laugh was half the fun when watching a movie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and a grandson. He is survived by his wife Lynette of 53 years; his seven children and their spouses: Justin (Krista), Jenilyn (Willis) Jensen, Melanie (Aho) Tafea, Jacob (Janet), Sheila (Brent) Jensen, Steven (Shannon), Mark (Jessica); and five siblings. He is also survived by 33 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Grandpa Baer will be remembered for his laugh, “woops,” playing games, his joy in attending their various events, homemade root beer, pulling on their ears, and freeze-drying candy. Riding on the train in the Layton City parade when Grandpa was a Hometown Hero is a memory they will always cherish.

Ralph was a disciple of Christ. He loved his neighbors as himself and loved God. His life success will be measured by the impact of his love on the lives he touched–his family, his friends, and his community.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Kayscreek Stake Center at 2680 E Cherry Lane in Layton, Utah. Family and friends may visit Saturday from 9:00 to 10:30 at the church prior to the service.

Interment will be held at Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah.

The funeral service will be live-streamed and may be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of Ralph’s obituary page at www.lindquistmortuary.com