Submitted by Dan Rich

Jerome E. Bauer

Dec. 8, 1933 - Feb. 14, 2007

South Bend Tribune 2/16/2007
GRANGER, IN - Mr. Jerome E. Bauer, 73, of Pembridge Court, passed away of natural causes on Wednesday morning, Feb. 14, in his residence. Jerry was born on December 8, 1933, in South Bend, to August and Anne (Hanson) Bauer, and was a lifelong area resident.

On June 17, 1961, in St. Monica's Catholic Church in Mishawaka he married Carol V. Diltz, who survives of Granger. Jerry was a loving husband, perfect father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was also a dedicated brother and special uncle to many nieces and nephews and a devoted friend to many others. Jerry leaves five children to cherish his memory, Karen (Darrell) Barnett of Granger, Kim (Randy) Leffler of Fishers, IN, Kris (Todd) Basicker of Brownsburg, IN, Kathy (Dan) Greve of South Bend, IN, and Kevin (Jenna) Bauer of Mishawaka, IN; nine grandchildren, Matt and Danny Barnett, Christian and Kendal Leffler, Lauren and Lindsey Basicker, Meredith and Aaron Greve, and Isabella Bauer; and one great-granddaughter, Grace Eitler-Barnett. Also surviving are a sister, Mary Anne (Eugene) Edmonds of Granger; two brothers, Tom (Peggy) Bauer of South Bend and Ed (Mako) Bauer of South Bend; and a sister-in-law, Joan Bauer of Granger. His brother, Jim Bauer, and his parents preceded him in death.

Jerry graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1951 and served his country in the Armed Forces from 1956 through 1958. In 1967 Jerry founded Valley Screen Process in Mishawaka. He loved the printing business, but most especially he loved every single person who worked for him. He would never miss saying good morning to everyone, and always shared an "Oli joke of the day," which brought a smile to every face. Football Saturdays were a special place to be at the Bauer house. The festivities began with a rousing recording of the ND Victory March followed by Jer's own well-known marching while whistling. Jerry and Carol hosted many guests over the years for Notre Dame games, and Jerry was a loyal fan. As a young boy he missed only one game, somehow always getting a free ticket after walking to the stadium while praying the Rosary. Jerry loved to golf and bowl with his dad and brothers. He also was a charter member of the Saturday Morning Breakfast Club. He and Carol were season ticket holders for ND basketball games for the last 38 years. He was adored by his kids and grandkids. He was the best grandpa, and loved every minute he spent with his grandchildren. He attended their sporting events, dance and band recitals, science fairs, school open houses and plays...... everything. They know what a special grandpa they had, and he will live on in their hearts forever. Jerry was known for his selfless acts and kind words. He was a very special man who will never be replaced, and missed terribly. He leaves a legacy of love and kindness that will forever be remembered. His example of helping those less fortunate is the greatest lesson that he taught us. All of us who he touched are saddened by our loss, but are lucky to have been a part of his extraordinary life. He was a member of Christ the King Parish, American Turners, the KofC Golf League, the Knights of Columbus Fr. John Carroll Council #5570, and Fr. JA Neuwland Assembly of the 4th Degree KofC.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. in Christ the King Catholic Church, with Rev. Thomas Jones, CSC, pastor, officiating. Friends may call today from 3 to 8 P.M. in the McGann Hay Funerals Cremations Gatherings, Granger Chapel, 13260 SR 23, (enter off Cherry Road), where the Rosary will be prayed by the parish and 3rd & 4th Degree KofC. Burial will be at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Christ Child Society, PO Box 1286, South Bend, IN 46624; or to Christ the King Catholic Church.