Miami Herald, The (FL) - June 26, 1989
Deceased Name: MELVIN BAER, 82, FURNITURE STORE FOUNDER
Melvin Baer, who founded the Baer's Furniture chain and served in many civic organizations, died Saturday of a heart attack he suffered two weeks ago. He was 82.
Baer, who lived in Hallandale with wife Lucile, had been in the coronary care unit at Humana Biscayne since June 12. Family members said he fought to stay alive long enough to see the opening Thursday of his sixth store in South Florida, in Davie.
"We really think that was part of what kept him going," said his son, Robert.
Baer was born April 9, 1907, in Mishawaka, Ind.In 1945, he and Lucile opened their first furniture store, called Baer's Home Outfitters, in South Bend, Ind. Baer's Furniture came to Dania in 1968, opening at 1025 S. Federal Highway. Two years later, the Baers themselves followed, moving to Hallandale. Baer became involved in many civic organizations, including the Jewish Federation of South Broward, the Jewish Family and Children's Service of Broward, Boy Scouts and Rotary International. He was on the national board of Junior Achievement and founded the Hollywood/Hallandale American Friends of Hebrew University.
Baer is survived by sons and daughters-in-law James and Marjorie of Parkland, Allan and Teri of Fort Lauderdale, and Robert and Elaine of Hallandale; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Family and friends may visit from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Riverside Funeral Chapel, 2230 Hollywood Blvd. Services will be at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at Temple Beth-El, 1351 S. 14th Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Melvin and Lucile Baer Philanthropic Fund, in care of the Jewish Federation of South Broward, 2719 Hollywood Blvd.
Edition: BRWRD
Page: 3BR