John R. Bauer, 80, entered into eternal rest on Monday, January 1, 2024 at Box Butte General Hospital surrounded by his family.
John was born on May 29, 1943 to Adolph and Mary (Schwartz) Bauer in the Gering Valley of Nebraska.
After spending the early part of his childhood in the Bayard area, the family relocated northeast of Alliance, Nebraska which is where he spent the rest of his life farming. John attended Alliance High School where he was actively involved in FFA and graduated in 1961. He spent much of his early years enjoying the thrill of fast cars. Many of his friends can still tell stories of seeing him running the rubber off his ‘64 Impala. His racing days slowed after marrying Abigail Turman and his sons Ben and Trabor being born. When the boys were very young, he met Patricia Bolek and she agreed to babysit his kids. Little did they know how that innocent agreement would lead to a lifetime together. He not only found his soulmate but also gained three children in Billy, Brenda, and Barbara (Whom he lovingly nicknamed “George”). After seeing the children off into their adult years, the two eloped to Eureka Springs, Arkansas and wed on August 16, 2002. They spent many years enjoying each other and in later years depending upon each other.
John enjoyed spending time “window farming”, driving around the area and talking farming with anyone. One of his favorite things to do was to drive out to see how planting or harvest was going on his son’s farm. From a card room at the local club to the big lights in Las Vegas he was always known as a formidable opponent when the cards were dealt. Anyone that had met John in life would tell you he was a gentleman gambler and that was true to the end.
John is survived by his children, Billy (Diane) Taylor of Rapid City, South Dakota, Brenda (Terry) Croswell of Alliance, Barb Addleman of Kansas City, Missouri, Ben (Dana) Bauer of Alliance, Trabor (Brittney) Bauer of Alliance and 17 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Robert (Susan) Bauer of Fairbury, Nebraska Jerry Bauer of Alliance, Roger (Jill) Bauer of Alliance. He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia, his parents Adolph and Mary, his sister Darlene, and brother Ronald. Also preceding him were a granddaughter and great granddaughter.
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 5 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Chapel with Pastor Richard C. Mueller officiating. Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 4 from 1-7 p.m. with the family present from 4-6 p.m. at the funeral home. A reception will follow the burial at the Alliance Eagles Club.
Memorials can be sent to the Alliance Eagles Club to be made to a charitable donation.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com