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Alan and Marcia Baer Foundation - Inducted in 2009
Born and raised in California, Alan Baer was a greatgrandson of Jonas L. Brandeis, founder of the Boston Store that later became J.L. Brandeis & Sons Department Store.
In the 1950s, Baer moved to Omaha after serving in World War II.
He was president of Brandeis from 1974 until 1987, when he sold the business to Younkers, Inc. Baer continued to own Brandeis Food Service, which catered food and handled concessions at Ak-Sar-Ben and elsewhere. He also started Alan Baer & Associates, an umbrella company for his many business interests, including Brandeis Catering, Pear’s Coffee, Herman's Nuts, and Southroads Mall.
Baer's passion was collecting businesses and he was widely known for his success in turning around shaky enterprises. As an example, his purchase of the Omaha Lancers in 1988 ensured that the hockey team stayed in Omaha.
Marcia Baer's family also had a tremendous impact on Omaha. Her father, Ted Miller, helped Father Flanagan raise the money to build Boys Town.
The Alan and Marcia Baer Foundation donates generously hundreds of Nebraska arts and educational agencies, as well as charities.