Tell City Resident Thomas Baert, 87, Dies Peacefully at Home

Thomas Louis Baert, who spent years serving Tell City's banking community as a vice president loan officer at Wells Fargo and was a regular presence at community events at the William Tell Center, died peacefully at his home on March 20, 2026. He was 87.

Born January 14, 1939, in Newburgh, Indiana, to Peter and Irene (Cramer) Baert, Thomas made his professional home in Tell City. His role at Wells Fargo placed him at the center of the community's financial life, working alongside residents on the lending decisions that shaped families and households across the region.

Outside the bank, Baert was a fixture at the William Tell Center, where he attended community events throughout his years in Tell City. He also collected coins and enjoyed trips to the casino. Family remembered him for his steady presence and devotion to those he loved.

Baert married Barbara Costello on September 12, 1964. They shared 50 years of marriage before Barbara's death in 2014. Together they raised two daughters, Kimberly Lasher and Michelle (Michael) Runde, both of Tell City.

He is survived by daughters Kimberly Lasher and Michelle (Michael) Runde; siblings Janet Clark, Jack Baert of Florida, and Fred Baert of Tennessee; grandchildren Thomas (Hannah) Lasher and Parker Runde; and great-grandchild Truett Lasher. Baert was preceded in death by his parents Peter and Irene (Cramer) Baert, his wife Barbara Costello, and his son-in-law Andrew Lasher.

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 28, at 11:00 a.m. at Zoercher-Gillick Funeral Home, 920 10th Street, Tell City. Visitation took place Friday, March 27, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. and again Saturday morning from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Condolences may be submitted through the Zoercher-Gillick Funeral Home website.