Garry Bauer

Garry Bauer, SR passed away peacefully on September 26, 2022 in his home near Rockford, Illinois after a two year battle with bile duct cancer. Garry was born and raised in McLaughlin, South Dakota as one of 12 children born to Alvin and Viola Bauer. Upon graduation, he enlisted with the United States Navy, and served in Southeast Asia from 1958 to 1962. When he completed his military service, Garry moved to Sturgis, Michigan for a few years before relocating to Montana where he met and married his wife of 49 years, Karen (Hamm) Bauer. Garry loved the game of pool and taught his wife how to play, and they met many close friends through various leagues in Montana and Iowa. He won first place in several city leagues, and qualified for national tournaments in Las Vegas, Nevada. Garry had a great sense of adventure and was always up for a trip across the country if one of his children or a close friend needed him. He and his wife enjoyed riding motorcycles, traveling, and raising their children together. When first diagnosed with cancer in 2020, Garry said he had two goals - to see his youngest daughter earn her PhD in 2022 and to take his wife to Hawaii for their 50th wedding anniversary in 2023. We are grateful he was able to see one of those two dreams come true. ? Garry is survived by his wife, Karen, and six children: Garry JR (Carla) Bauer of Nashville, Tennessee; Connie (William) Hernandez of Red Lodge, Montana; Jason (Temple) Cronkhite of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Keri (Tom) Evelo of Powell, Wyoming; Garrett (Jen) Bauer of Worden, Montana; and Dr. Jahna (Bret) Duda of Caledonia, Illinois; sister, Delaine of Billings, Montana; brother, Wayne of Sacramento, California; brother, Kenneth of Denver, Colorado; and sister, Debbie of Billings, Montana. He is survived by 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Garry is preceded in death by his parents - Alvin and Viola Bauer, brothers - Wallace, Vernon, Randy, Neil, Rory, and sisters - Katherine, Zelda. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 712 Windsor Road, Loves Park, IL 61111.