Robert Edward Bauer

Robert Edward Bauer, 99, of Elkton, passed away Sunday, January 12, 2025 at Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon surrounded by his immediate family.

Robert, better known as “Bob”, was born August 29, 1925 to the late Phillip and Catherine (Kumaus) Bauer. He attended Soule Country School and graduated from Elkton High School in 1944.  Upon graduation Bob worked at Wallace and Morley Elevator in Elkton.  It was there he met his future wife, Aleta Miller.  Bob and Aleta were married May 24, 1947 at Salem Evangelical Church in Pigeon.  Their marriage was four months shy of their 75th wedding anniversary when Aleta passed away on January 9, 2022.  They were a team all their married years, in work and play.  They purchased a farm on Grassmere Road near Elkton and there they raised their three children; Gail, Dennis and Ronald.  They farmed, growing primarily navy beans, wheat and corn and after fifteen years of marriage they built an egg factory which they operated for many years.  Bob also worked at Active Industries in Elkton for several years while he farmed.  Bob and Aleta worked hand in hand crop farming, operating the egg factory business and raising their children.

Bob enjoyed may interests throughout his life including playing baseball on several teams, pheasant hunting, videography, pysanky egg art and several kinds of art painting including oil painting and in his later years made over 50 pieces of diamond art.  He and Aleta enjoyed traveling and after retirement purchased an RV which allowed sightseeing primarily throughout the central, west and southwest United States.  They enjoyed 20 winters in Pioneer RV Park near Phoenix, Arizona, with family and friends and made the most of their travels together.  He was a humble man, who throughout his life was passionate about his faith, family and his heart was in his farming.  He exemplified living the Golden Rule, had a deep love for his wife and he made the world a kinder place.

Robert’s loving spirit is carried on by his children Gail (Ken) Lehman of Gowen, Dennis of Bay City and daughter-in-law Elaine of Midland; beloved grandsons Rod (Chasie) Bauer and Ryan Bauer both of Midland and great-grandchildren Braxton and Kensley also of Midland.  Bob also loved his many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his youngest son Ronald.

The family expresses heartfelt thanks to Scheurer Health Acute Care staff and ER, Country Gardens and Country Bay for their care and camaraderie given to Bob.  Special thanks to Dr. Laurey Hanselman for her many years of excellent care and to Dr. Scott Reiter and hospice.

Funeral service will be 11:00am Wednesday, January 15th at Salem Global Methodist Church in Pigeon with Pastor Joshua Johnson officiating.  Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Elkton.

Visitation will be 3-7 Tuesday at Champagne Funeral Chapel.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Salem Global Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.