Herman R. Bauer

Herman celebrated his home-going with his Lord on February 17. He was 93.

Born in Sebewaing, Michigan he moved to a small farm outside Elkton, Michigan as a young boy. He married Zelma Thompson on Nov. 1, 1941, at the parsonage of the former Evangelical United Brethren Church in Elkton. During the first year of their marriage they gave their hearts to the Lord and established a Christian home. Herman and Zelma attended the church for 44 years, where he served as the adult Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent and lay leader, and also played on the church softball team. In 1985 he and Zelma decided to help pioneer a new Wesleyan church in Elkton, and became charter members. He helped in the construction of the church and taught Sunday school into his 80’s. Until ill health prevented, he could be counted on being at church whenever the doors were open. He was a man of prayer and kept sending prayers to heaven for friends and family. As a result, all of his children and grandchildren know and are serving his same Lord. His family says, “Thanks, Dad, for showing us the way! We will miss your prayers, but know that we must now carry on your example.”

In 2005, because of ill health, he and Zelma moved to a small apartment in Ft Wayne, Indiana, to be near family. Since farming was in his blood from three previous generations, it was hard for him to leave the farm on Souletown Road. Like so many early immigrants, his father and mother left Austria/Hungry to have a better life in America for their family. Not long after moving to Ft. Wayne, his health worsened and The Renaissance Village rehab center became home. How thankful the family is for all the kindness and love shown to him while living there. He called it home and staff became his extended family.

Herman was employed by Wallace & Morley Grain Co. until his retirement at 65, while also working the Souletown farm with Zelma. Patrons of the Grassmere elevator said that Herman Bauer’s word was as good as his bond. Known by his fairness and integrity, he was trusted by all. At harvest time grain-filled trucks stretched down the country road waiting for him to weigh and load their grain into his elevator silos. Hard work was his life and he instilled that in his children. He and Zelma cared for his aged parents and sister until their home-goings, letting his family know how important all family members were. After retirement he and Zelma joined a seniors bowling team, gaining new friends, and delighting in much-deserved fun times after all their years of hard work!

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Zelma; an infant son; his parents, Phillip Sr. and Barbara; brothers , John, Frank, Conrad (Ed), Phillip Jr., William, Jerry; and sisters, twins Catherine and Goldie, Barbara (Jantzi), Elizabeth, Sophia (Musatics), and Emma (Karle).

Those alive and waiting to see him again in heaven are daughters, Judy (Wayne) Teuscher, Carol (Jerry) Brecheisen; son Richard ( Karen) Bauer; grandchildren, Tonya, Cindy (Vince), Mandi (Troy), Arianna (Jeff), Joel and Jarred; great-grandchildren, Phillip, Katy, Timothy, Kyle, Olivia, Lauren, and Sophia; several nieces and nephews; and his many friends.

Memorial services to be held at Elkton Community Wesleyan Church in Elkton, Michigan, will be announced at a later date.