William E. “Bill” Bauer
William E. “Bill” Bauer, 91, passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 8, surrounded by his loving wife of 71 years, Bonnie L. Bauer, and his children.
Bill was born to the late Fred and La Pearl (Keller) Bauer in Monterey on Oct. 15, 1932. He was one of six children. He graduated from Monterey High School in 1950. He later joined the Army and was a veteran serving during the Korean War, where he was a mechanic and cook. He often said he wiped out a whole battalion with his cooking.
On Oct. 3, 1953, Bill married Bonnie L. Wiler and they had five children together. He worked two jobs for many years. He worked at Bendix in South Bend for 33 years. Bill and Bonnie then purchased Bauer’s Grocery Store in 1970 and ran that business until 2008 when they sold out. They were well known in the community for their famous homemade ham salad. Bill also served as Fire Chief for the Monterey Volunteer Fire Dept. for many years.
Bill’s favorite things to do in life were attending Notre Dame athletic games, watching IU basketball and attending the Indianapolis 500 starting back in 1952, for at least 60 years with his family. He was great at working on small engines and a good craftsman.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie Bauer; sons: Michael [Darla] Bauer, Tim [Elise] Bauer and William Bauer; seven grandchildren: Renee [Darren] Winkelman, Nicole [James] Sigler, Beau [Brittany] Bauer, Zoe [Teresa] Bauer, Alyssa Bauer, Reagan Bauer and Cash Bauer; six great-grandchildren: Cullen, Camdyn, Campbell, Hartlee, Brae and Palmer Bauer; and brother Fred [Alice] Bauer.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Bernard Bauer, Teresa Greer, Rose Strang, and Tom Bauer; as well as son Edmond W. Bauer; and daughter Nancy J. Bauer.
A time of visitation was held at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Monterey, on Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. with the Rosary being recited at 1:30 p.m. Father John Keifer officiated a Mass of Christian Burial at 2 p.m. Burial at St. Anne’s Cemetery, with military rites being performed, followed.
The family suggests that you wear either Notre Dame or IU attire or dress casual.
There will be a gathering at the Monterey School after the graveside service. Please join the family in retelling many fond memories of Bill.
Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Condolences may be sent via the obituary page at www.odomfuneralhome.net.
The Odom Funeral Home, Culver, is honored to be entrusted with caring for the family.
(Pulaski County Journal — Oct. 16, 2024)