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- Harold "Harry" J. Baeten, 85, West De Pere, passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 3, 2017. He was born April 14, 1932 in West De Pere to Peter H. and Hattie (Gerrits) Baeten. On July 8, 1953 Harry married the former Mary Ann Geurts at St. Mary's in De Pere.
In addition to serving his country in the U.S. Army, Harry attended St. Norbert High School and St. Norbert College. He earned a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and a Ph. D. from the University of Michigan. Harry spent his career as an educator and a naturalist, implementing significant developments in the sciences at St. Norbert College and inspiring the love of science in generations of students in his nearly 40 years at the College. His passion for history led him to write two books, a history of St. Norbert College and a genealogical account of the Baeten family. He loved farming, gardening, fishing, caring for his land, and fine woodworking. Harry held court at the head of the schmear table; served as a De Pere Kiwanian and cooked at the Flamingo tournament; and dearly loved his family, challenging them in their minds and hearts to achieve, think and live their lives fully. He also made us laugh, with a wry sense of humor and jokes he repeated at least a thousand times.
Harry is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Ann; eight children: Betsy (Larry), Pete (Wendy), Ann (David), Mark (Fi), Tom (MJ), Bill (Colleen), Mary (Eric), and Jason (Peter); 19 grandchildren: Harry, Rose, Josh (Christina), Caleb (Katie), Andrew (Victoria), Britta (Jeff), Allie (Saul), Mia, Anna, Andrea (Erik), Kevin, Lizzey, Austin, Faith, Emily, Ben, Sam, Amelia, and Hattie; four great-grandchildren: Addison, Kennedy, Liesl, and Warner; daughter-in-law Betse Macco; sister Donna; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws Leo and Marie Geurts; son Paul; sisters Mary (Chip), Helen (Don), and Ruth (Loren); and brother-in-law Roy.
Family and friends may visit from 2:00 to 4:00 PM on Monday, May 8, 2017 at the St. Norbert College Parish at Old St. Joseph Church. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 4:00 PM with Fr. Matt Dougherty, O. Praem. officiating. A celebration of Harry's life will follow at T&C Bar and Grill, 1358 Mid Valley Dr., De Pere, WI.
Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send a condolence to the Baeten family. All memorials may be directed to a fund which will be established by the family.
Published in Green Bay Press-Gazette from May 5 to May 6, 2017
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1932 - 2017 (85 years)
