Robert H. Bauer

Robert Bauer was a man of strong character - dependable, hardworking and trustworthy. His friends and family respected him greatly, both of his strength of mind and his unconditional love. Bob found great happiness in a life devoted to the principles of family and a strong work ethic - and most importantly, having fun every step of the way. In the year 1933, America found itself in trouble as the Great Depression pushed toward new heights and one out of every four individuals was unemployed. It was a hard and challenging time, but in Muskegon, Michigan, the Bauer family was keeping their spirits up by focusing on a special blessing in their lives. On October 9, 1933, they joyfully welcomed the birth of their son, Robert, the second youngest of their four children. Bob lived in Muskegon all of his life. Along with his three sisters, Lottie (who was born in Germany), Ruth and Carolyn, Bob created many unforgettable childhood memories in their family home at 1622 New Street. His parents were extremely proud of their German heritage and raised the children with an awareness and appreciation for their history. Bob's father was a sheet metal worker by trade and in 1934, he went into business for himself, forming the Bauer Sheet Metal Co. For the first few years of the new business, the family faced some financial hardships, but they drew together to make it work. Raised in the Lutheran faith, the family was actively involved in the German Lutheran Church. Bob bore the mark of a typical teenager - he liked girls, going to parties and cruising with friends on Western Avenue. These were some great times in Bob's life. He received his education in the Muskegon Public Schools and graduated from Muskegon High School in 1951. Directly thereafter, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. and a year later he was on his way overseas to fight in the Korean Conflict. He served two years in Korea before he received his honorable discharge and came home. Once adjusted to civilian life, Bob went to work in the family business as a shop manager. Then one fateful day when he went to the bank for a loan, Bob became side tracked when his eyes fell upon Mary Fortenbacher. It wasn't long before the two began dating and having lots of fun together, carousing and going to dances. Mary was of the Catholic faith and in order to marry her, Bob converted to Catholicism in 1959. The couple happily exchanged wedding vows in the Catholic Church in Muskegon on June 1, 1959. A very talented and intelligent man, Bob soon set about building their first family home on Vine Street, where the couple joyfully welcomed each of their four children. Their firstborn was daughter Marie, who "came in with a storm" on Friday the 13th in 1961. A year later, they welcomed the birth of their son, Michael Robert, born on August 11, 1962, and their second son, Patrick, who was originally going to be named Mark, born on September 18, 1964. If the couple wasn't busy enough, less than a year later, they welcomed their youngest member of the family, daughter Maureen, born on August 28, 1965. Bob affectionately called her "Mo." With their family complete, Bob and Mary had a new family home built at 1717 Eloise, in the Fortenbacher Subdivision in Fruitport Township in 1966. This was their family home for many years and lots of wonderful and unforgettable memories were created here with family and friends. From cookouts and family reunions to pool parties to sliding down the Bauer hill and shop get togethers, there was always fun to be had at the Bauer home. And if the family wasn't having fun by the pool, they were most likely gathered in the kitchen - Bob loved to eat. When his sons were younger, Bob coached pee wee baseball and even sponsored some through his work. The Bauer children all attended Shettler Elementary School and graduated from Fruitport High School. In honor of his heritage, Bob took two trips to Germany, visiting relatives and experiencing the culture. In the mid 1980s, Bob's life took a new direction when he and Mary divorced after 27 years of marriage. He built himself a log cabin in Oxbow Shores in Baldwin, Michigan, and kept busy working and doing various projects around the cabin. Bob also became a member of the United Methodist Church community. He had spent several winters at his Florida home, away from the harsh cold Michigan weather. He greatly enjoyed the warm sun and sandy beaches and making lots of new friends. About a year ago, Bob was diagnosed with cancer. After what was thought to be a successful recovery from lung surgery, Bob got to spend one more winter in Florida before coming home and being re-diagnosed with cancer. Bob got to spend a few more weeks with his family before passing away. Bob was a gifted and talented man who used his abilities to make a wonderful life for his family. He cared deeply for his family and showed it by providing faithfully for them and sharing much love and laughter. A loving father and grandfather and good friend, Bob will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Bob is survived by his 2 sons: Michael (Melanie) Bauer, Patrick (Rhonda) Bauer, both of Fruitport; 2 daughters, Marie (Robert) Mead of Lansing, and Maureen (Gary) Reames of Fruitport; 5 grandchildren: Amanda, Matthew, Christine, Megan and Catherine; 3 sisters: Lottie Jensen of Muskegon, Ruth (Jim) DeGram of Grand Haven, and Carolyn Boeskool of Muskegon; and several nieces and nephews.