Frank Joseph Bauer

Frank Joseph Bauer passed away peacefully on April 2, 2009, with his family by his side. He was a man of remarkable faith, integrity, strength and tenacity. He was born in Hysham, Montana on April 30, 1922, to George and Elizabeth (Maershbecker) Bauer. He graduated in 1941 from Hysham High School. Frank entered the U.S. Marine Corps in 1942 after the war began. He spent his time during the war in the South Pacific. He met Genevieve Lee when she was teaching in Hysham in 1944 and they married on October 20,1945 in Santa Ana, California. After leaving the Marine Corps in 1946 they farmed and ranched in Hysham until they moved to Billings in 1964. Frank worked as a carpenter for Insul Fiber and Hardy Construction until he retired. Frank and Genevieve traveled around the world as one of their many trips. He loved his family and gardening. He was very proud of his roses and some were very rare.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents, brothers George Jr. and James and sister Elizabeth. He is also preceded in death by many friends including Henry “Hank” Meyers.

Frank is survived by three sisters, Cecelia Downey, Bernadine Bauer and Yvonne Olson, two brothers, Max and John Bauer. He is also survived by his wife Genevieve of 63 years, six children: Theresa Bauer Miles (Mike), Ellen (Sam) Miller, Kevin (Ann) Bauer, Barbara (Frank) Kiernan, Marilyn (Colin) Caldwell and Keith (Debbie) Bauer and fourteen grandchildren; Shana (Keith) Webb, Liza Strietmatter (Rick Burghardt), Jennifer Miller, Mark (Naomi) Miller, Christopher, Brooks and Catey Bauer, Sarah Garlock(Todd), Joseph, George and Patrick Caldwell, Houston, Kaleigh and Kaci Bauer and four great-grandchildren; Justin and Taylor Webb, Surrena Burghardt and Alessia Caldwell.

Frank’s life long very special friends are: John and Katy Olson, Bob and Sylvia Webb and Eddie and Marylou Kimball.

The vigil service for Frank will be at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, April 7, 2009, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary with the Funeral Mass on Wednesday, April 8, 2009, at 11:00 am in St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. Rite of Committal with Military Honors will be at Mountview Cemetery. A reception will follow at St. Bernard’s.

A special Thank You to the wonderful people at Eagles Cliff and Rocky Mountain Hospice. Memorials may be made to Rocky Mountain Hospice, Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Society or charity of your choice.

Dear Genevieve and family, I was so sorry to read of Frank’s passing. All the years that I lived across from Marilyn and Colin and the kids, I remember Frank bringing veggies from his garden to share. I also remember his rose garden as being the most beautiful in his neighborhood – something he was always proud to show. He will be missed by all who knew him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Keryl Koebbe Hallford

my sympathy for your loss. Morla Cole Rice Lewiston, Idaho

Dear Family, So sorry to learn of your loss. I remember the warm and friendly smile that Frank always seemed to share with others. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ellen,

I am thinking about you and keeping you in my prayers. I know how hard it is to lose a parent. Although we are grateful for our knowledge that they will live eternally, we still mourn for our own loss. Memories, good and bad, happy and sad, are gifts at this time, and I hope they comfort you and your family. Trudy Carey

Mrs. Bauer and Bauer Family. I have been thinking of all of you and Frank. He was a great man who shared many terrific stories and wonderful lessons. His memory will carry on with you and all of us. I will keep you all in my prayers. Joe Whittinghill