Marijane Baer, 82, of Washington, IL died peacefully Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at her home.

Born on February 16, 1941 in Peoria, IL to Leonard A. and Virginia May Unsicker, she married Philip H. Baer on August 9, 1964 in Tremont, IL.  He survives.

Also surviving are 4 children; Jane Baer (Brad Benson) of St. Paul, MN, Bryan (Emily) Baer of Jupiter, FL, Jill Baer (Cristofer Scarboro) of Dallas, PA, and Benjamin (Julie) Baer of Washington, IL. 11 grandchildren; Henry, Oliver, Abraham, Violet, Brennan, Jackson, Benjamin, Frances, Rumen, Elijah, and Margaret, 3 first cousins, many nieces and nephews, and a million dear friends who affectionately knew her as MjB.  The family would also like to thank her caregiver, Patricia Kennedy, for her special love and care over the past months.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Leonard B. "Corky" Unsicker, and many large, beloved family dogs.

Marijane graduated from Tremont High School and received her Bachelor of Education degree from Illinois State University.  There, she was a unicyclist and gymnast in the Gamma Phi Circus, an organization she continued to support. She worked as a Kindergarten teacher in River Forest, IL, and was the office manager at Valley Forge Family Physicians for 12 years.

After she and Phil started their family, Marijane spent her life giving to various community organizations, always remaining loyal to her hometown, Tremont, and Washington where she lived for over 50 years.  She was a member of the Pleasant View School Board, the Peoria Ballet Board,  WHIP, and was a frequent volunteer for local schools and activities.  She was an active member of P.E.O. on both a local and state level, and was an avid supporter of the Washington District Library.

She treated her friends as family, and loved her family. Marijane enjoyed entertaining in her home, whether for the Night Before the Night Before, Valley Forge family holiday parties, gatherings for families and friends, or the kids that showed up at the Baer house. Marijane never met a stranger and made people feel at home.  Her abundant energy, generosity, and empathy made her a great listener and a vibrant presence in any setting.

Services will be at 11 am Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington.  Rev. Ron Dickinson will officiate.  Visitation will be from 4-6 pm Tuesday, January 23, 2024, also at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Washington District Library or to Chapter OC, P.E.O. Sisterhood, "Marijane Baer Memorial", 706 S. Main St. Washington, IL 61571.

The service will be livestreamed beginning shortly before the schedule service time. Please scroll down and click "Watch Event" in the memorial service box.