Carolyn Sue Baer

Carolyn Sue (Norman) Baer, a long-time resident of West Des Moines, Iowa, passed away at home with her family by her side on Saturday August 15, 2015 after a hard fought battle with cancer. She was a great lady who touched the lives of everyone she met with her warmth, energy, and smile. She will be greatly missed! Carolyn was born in Council Bluffs, IA in 1934 and graduated from Thompson High School in 1951. She began working at the Telephone Company after she graduated high school and married Alex Baer on August 5, 1965. Carolyn, Alex, and their three children moved to Des Moines in 1974 where she continued to excel at her career with Qwest. Carolyn enjoyed spending time with her friends and talking about the loves of her life her five grandchildren. She enjoyed watching them play sports, participate in a school activities, and just hanging out. Carolyn was always there for them with her heart and soul. She loved tradition and one of her favorites included buying each of the grandchildren an ornament for their Christmas trees. She knew that one day they would each have a collection to start their own family Christmas trees. Carolyn was a beloved Wife, Mother, and Grandma. She is survived by her children; Tom Baer (Sue) of Waukee, IA, Melody Gibson (Matt) of West Des Moines, IA, and Mary Sucich (Paul) of Clive, IA, and her beloved grandchildren; Max Baer, of Waukee, IA, Christopher, Tiffany, Claire, and Adalyn Green of Lake City, IA, Eric, Amanda, William, Abigail, Ehern, and Gabriel Christiansen of West Des Moines, IA, Madeline Gibson of West Des Moines, IA, and Daniel, Emilie, and Grace Sucich of Clive, IA. She is also survived by her brother Tom Norman (Carol) of Fullerton, CA and her sister Jane Wendelin (Jon) of Slater, IA. As well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins; all of whom she adored. Carolyn was preceded in death by her loving husband Alex Baer, parents Jay and Grace Norman and nephew Mark Wendelin. She loved all who touched her heart and asked that friends and family take part in a Celebration of Life Ceremony starting with a visitation on Wednesday, August 19th at 9:00 am followed by a service at 10:00 am at the Lutheran Church of Hope at the corner of Jordan Creek Parkway and Ashworth Road in West Des Moines, IA. Luncheon at the church following the service.