Mar.
24, 1919 - Oct. 20, 2009SOUTH BEND - With honor, dignity and courage, Dr. Charles Baran, Jr. died on October 20, 2009 at home "surrounded" by his loving family and friends. Charles Baran, Jr. was born in Gary, Indiana on March 24, 1919 to Charles Baran, Sr. and Rose (Dardzinski) Baran, who preceded him in death together with his sister, Rose Baran, and beloved uncle, Harry Dardzinski. Those who also died before him are his son and first born, Charles D. Baran and his beloved wife of 57 years, Audrey Montrose Baran, whom he loved and adored beyond life. Dr. Baran was educated at Emerson School, Gary, Indiana, where, upon graduation, he attended the University of Chicago and later, Indiana University, from which he graduated in 1942 with a Bachelor of Science in Medicine. Continuing his education, he obtained a Doctor of Medicine from Indiana University in 1944. After his education, Dr. Baran enlisted in the Army serving as a captain and medic paratrooper in India engaging in 23 jumps. As a result, he has been a lifelong member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Hump Pilots Associations, Inc. (China-Burma-India Division). While serving in the Army, Dr. Baran married Audrey Jean Montrose on June 9, 1945. After his honorable discharge from the service, Dr. Baran entered his neurosurgery residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. Completing his residency, Dr. Baran moved with his young family to South Bend, Indiana to open his private practice. Dr. Baran practiced neurosurgery in the Michiana area and maintained his solo practice until 1988 when he retired from performing surgery. However, he continued working as the Medical Director of the St. Joseph Medical Center's Integral Medicine and Pain Clinic, which he instituted in 1978, retiring in 2002. Dr. Baran was a member of numerous professional organizations, including, but not limited to, The American Medical Association, Indiana Medical Society, American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, American Pain Society, and The North American Spine Society. Many considered Dr. Baran to be a quiet hero possessing the many qualities found in those rare persons. He was kind and generous, graciously using his God given gifts to treat many people. He was courageous, not only risking his life for his country, but also willing to consider and apply new medical technologies to help his patients. His good moral character set an example for his family and friends to learn from and grow. As a physician, friend, parent and husband, he was always supportive to new ideas; eagerly debating points of politics, the medical system, theology, philosophy and whatever else he found to be of interest at that point of his life. A fantastic storyteller, he shared his experiences so others could learn. He was gracious enough to always teach many generations, young and old, wisdom and their own potentiality for life until his illness increased in 2009. Of all of his accomplishments, achievements and experiences, those that Dr. Baran held with the greatest pride were his marriage to his wife, Audrey Baran, and his family, whom he loved dearly - this was the essence of his life. Dr. Charles Baran, Jr. is survived by John and Linda Baran of King George, Virginia; Ginny and Dennis Bamber of Cassopolis, Michigan; Terry and Steven Sult of Niles, Michigan; Laure and Carl Brunson of South Bend, Indiana; Julie Baran of Michigan; Bridget and Michael Kiefer of Hinsdale, Illinois; and Kate and Curtis Warchol of Naperville, Illinois. Also surviving are his grandchildren, John Baran, Jr.; Christopher and Michael Sult; Chas, Bridget, and Carrie Brunson; Ryan, Tyler and Audrey Kiefer; Allie, Kyle and Max Warchol; Ginger and Wade Palmer; Megan and Barry Ketchel; and Phil Jackson. He is also survived by one great-grandson, Charles Brunson, Jr. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Monday, October 26, 2009 in St. Joseph Chapel at Holy Cross College, 54515 State Road 933 North, Notre Dame, IN. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to mass on Monday at Holy Cross College and from 2:00 - 5:00 pm Sunday, October 25, 2009 at Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, where a rosary will be recited at 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Dr. Charles Baran, Jr. may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation, 406 W. 34th Street, Suite 514, Kansas City, MO 64111 or to the American Cancer Society , 601 W. Edison Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.