Delbert Bahr

Delbert (Del) Bahr, 90, of Brainerd, passed away on February 26, 2025. Services will be held on Saturday, April 26th, at 1:00 pm, with visitation one hour prior at the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN.

Del was born on December 27, 1934, in Bemidji, MN, to Roy and Mabel (Shoberg) Bahr. At the age of nine, Del lost his sight due to an accident. Undeterred by this challenge, he attended the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind in Faribault, MN, where he excelled as a standout athlete in track and wrestling while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

Del married Janice (Jan) Preston on September 3, 1958, in Bemidji, and together, they built a life full of love and adventure. Del pursued higher education at the University of Minnesota, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, and worked for 10 years as a social worker at the Faribault State Hospital.

In later years, Del and Jan moved to Freedhem, MN, where they purchased and ran a dairy farm. His resourcefulness and mechanical skills were evident as he tackled projects on the farm, including rebuilding a tractor and snowmobiles. Del was a true outdoorsman, finding joy in fishing, hunting, playing horseshoes, and especially in the family tradition of playing cards, with cribbage being a favorite.

Del played the guitar, piano, and trombone, always finding joy in sharing his love of music. He had a sharp mind for trivia and a willingness to take on any challenge.

Del was a kind and gentle soul who inspired all who knew him. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched, and he will be dearly missed.

Del is survived by his children, Steven Bahr, Pat (Del) Neuman, Michael (Beverly) Bahr, and Dan (Christi) Bahr; eleven grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and siblings, Donna Steddom, JoAnne Swanson, and Gary (Linda) Bahr. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice; his parents; and siblings, Don Bahr and Sandra Bundrant.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.