Obituary

Michael “Mickey” Baer, aged 82 passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Selfhelp Home in Chicago. He was born June 27, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Mildred “Millie” Baer and Herbert M. Baer. Mickey was a thoughtful, inquisitive “renaissance man”, earning both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University. He pursued several jobs before securing a leadership position with Unocal, then Union 76. While there, he was a key figure in integrating computer technology and software into their workforce. After Unocal downsized and eventually closed their Schaumburg offices, Mickey decided it was time to go into business for himself. Along with his wife Susan, the Baer family opened “A Matter of Style: An American Hair Salon and Day Spa” in Oak Park, Illinois in 1995. Mickey and Susan owned and ran this business until their retirement in 2011. Mickey’s interests went well beyond business. He was very involved in local governance, serving on the Community Mental Health Board for several years and as an active member of Rotary Club of Oak Park-River Forest. Known for his engaging and charming personality, Mickey often sought out the joys in life: playing and watching golf, traveling the world with Susan, dining in many fine restaurants, and chatting with anyone and everyone along the way. In addition to his parents, Mickey was preceded in death by his sister, Anita Segal. He is survived by his son Shaun Baer and his wife of 54 years Susan Baer (nee Korshak).

In lieu of flowers, the family have asked that contributions be made to the John Wittenberger Society Scholarship Fund at Indiana University, https://imu.indiana.edu/about/jws/index.html. Chapel service Sunday, November 30, 2:30 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Rd, Arlington Heights. Interment to follow at Shalom Memorial Park. For a link to view the service, shiva, and to leave condolences: www.shalommemorial.org, 847-255-3520.

Service Information

Service : Sunday, November 30th at 2:30 pm
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service -Shalom Memorial Funeral Home

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 West Rand Road
Arlington Heights

Guest Book & Memories

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December 7th, 2025

Sad news of Mickey’s passing. My wife, Karen, and I always enjoyed our dinners with him and Susan. Mickey loved the restaurant scene.
Someone referred to him as “the master of the spreadsheet”. I know it is true. I recall discussing a planned master bath renovation at the Baer home. He brought out a very convincing looking architectural plan drawing. I was amazed that he knew the professional software. He said he did the whole thing in Microsoft Excel!
I miss Mickey Baer.

~Nick Sinadinos
~Friend, Oak Park, IL

December 3rd, 2025

Dear Susan and Shaun,
We are saddened to learn about Mickey’s passing. We recall with fondness watching Shaun and Bridget grow up at religious school but more importantly, the laughter from Mickey’s stories from growing up in Gary, IU and life in general. May his memory be a blessing. Baruch Dayan Haemet.

~Bob and Joy Silverman
~Friend, Naperville Illinois

November 30th, 2025

My memory of Mickey was, first the father of Shaun, I babysat him. Such a proud Dad.
Then my business partner where we spent hundreds of hours together working, creating . He the master of spread sheets, lol. Mickey was very excited and loved the idea of a salon. He was all in, very proud, a great businessman. We were together in business 17 years. Many laughs, heartaches, and frustration. I truly knew all sides of Mickey Baer. I was blessed to have a relationship with him and he will always resonant with me while I do business. Rest in peace 🙏🙏🙏

~Tracy Conn
~Business Partner/ Friend, Lombard illinois

November 30th, 2025

Mickey was a unique individual and a fraternity brother!. Entrepreneurial and always ready for the next day!Im saddened by his loss and send my and my wife’s condolences to his family!

~Gary lozow
~Friend, Denver Colorado

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