Richard "Rick" L. Baier Obituary (1973

It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of Richard “Rick” L. Baier, age 52, of Pontiac, IL. He passed away peacefully with beloved family and friends by his side at 6:40 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington, IL. A public visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, located at 903 W. Custer, Ave, Pontiac, IL, 61764. A private service will be held later with burial to follow at Sunny Slope Cemetery in Saunemin, IL. Deacon Jim Wallace will officiate. Memorials in Rick’s memory may be made to the MS Foundation or the Livingston County Humane Society. Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home in Pontiac, IL, is entrusted with his arrangements. Rick was born on April 13, 1973, in Pontiac, IL to Gary Lee and Betty Jo (Johns) Baier. They survive him in Pontiac, IL. He married the love of his life, Joan (Sporrer) Baier, on August 4, 2017, at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral home in Pontiac, IL. She survives in Pontiac, IL. Other survivors include his three daughters, Samantha Jo Baier of Camdenton, MO, Sydney Marie (Dylan Walker) Baier of Broadlands, IL, and Savannah Lea (Patrick Sancken) Baier of Pontiac, IL; one son by marriage, Matt (Caitlin) Sporrer of Chatham, IL; two grandchildren, Ava and Andrew Sporrer; and one sister, Deborah (Dave) Zega of Pontiac, IL. He is also survived by his mother and father-in-law, James “Jim” and Kathleen “Kathy” Sporrer; brothers and sisters in law, Christine (Chris) Hoving, Kimberly (Jeff) Schade, John (Stefanie) Sporrer, and Jason Sporrer. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, treasured friends, and his fur baby, Sadie Girl. He was preceded in death by one infant sister, Dawn Elaine Baier; paternal grandparents, Homer and Kathleen Baier; and his maternal grandparents, William "Joe" and Betty Johns. Rick attended Saunemin Grade School. He graduated from Pontiac Township High School in 1991. He then went on to further his education at Kankakee Community College and Worsham College of Mortuary Science. He graduated from Worsham College in September of 1993 and became a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. He was the proud owner of Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, Bogeys and Birdies Indoor Golf and Gaming, and Last wRites Pen Company. Rick was a man who consistently exemplified integrity, professionalism, and unwavering respect in every situation. Rick carried himself with quiet strength and compassion that left a lasting impression on his family, friends, and the community. He had a profound ability to bring calm during chaos and grace during grief. He was the person we would turn to, to get through the hard times. Acts of service was his love language. He was always willing to lend a hand, be it working on a project, rebuilding a swing set to make it storm proof, or simply showing up whenever asked without question. Rick had a quirky, sarcastic humor and was often seen with a sly grin on his face. He loved playing darts, mowing lawns, listening to good music, riding his Harley, and taking his beloved companion, Sadie, on her daily golf cart rides. Most of all, he loved hard and was a friend and brother to many. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched both personally and professionally. He truly was one of a kind. We will carry him with us in our hearts forever. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. This obituary may be viewed, and a guestbook signed at www.duffyfuneralhome.com, or visit us on Facebook.