Donald Dean Baier

Donald Dean Baier passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on September 7, 2026. Don was born in Bothell, Washington, on May 14, 1938, to William “Bill” and Hilda Baier.

Don graduated from Lake Washington High School in 1956. In 1965, he married the love of his life, Joyce M. Jones of Bristol, Wisconsin, in Kirkland, Washington. Don and Joyce recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary, marking more than six decades of love, family and shared memories.

Don had a lifelong passion for cars, mechanics, and creating unique automobiles. His first talent and creativity were recognized early in his life. In 1962, his custom car won First Place for Creative Customizing and Engineering at the Seattle World’s Fair. The following year, in 1963, he took First Place at the Roadster Show in Portland.

His career reflected his love and talent for mechanics. Don worked as a mechanic at Buttera Motors in Kirkland and later at Moore Motors Volkswagen in Bellevue. He then began a career with Puget Power & Energy, where he proudly served for 17 years before retiring.

Family was at the heart of Don’s life. As a young family, Don and Joyce enjoyed camping together at 25 Mile Creek in Chelan, boating, and spending time with their dune buggy. They also loved traveling to visit family in North Dakota, Montana, and Wisconsin. Don treasured these adventures and the time spent with the people he loved.

Don and Joyce made their home in Redmond, Washington, for more than 50 years before moving to Gilbert, Arizona, in 2020. Throughout his life, Don was known for his love of family, his mechanical talent, his creativity, and his wry sense of humor.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, William “Bill” and Hilda Baier; his brother, Aloys Baier; and his beloved son, Dean D. Baier.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joyce M. Baier; his daughter Heidi A. Mulliken; his son-in-law, Bill J. Mulliken; his grandson, Samuel D. Mulliken; his step-grandchildren, Alida M. Mulliken and Jesse J. Mulliken (Lydia); and his step-great grandsons, Maverick J. Mulliken and Briggs S. Mulliken.

Don leaves behind a lifetime of memories, a legacy of craftsmanship and creatively, and a family who will forever cherish his love, humor, and the many adventures they shared together.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.