Michael H. “Mike” Bauer, Jr., 80, of 228 Church Street, passed away Thursday, July 14, 2016, at the Elk Haven Nursing Home.
He was born September 15, 1935, in St. Marys, son of the late Michael H. and Catherine “Kitty” Brock Bauer, Sr. He was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1953. Mike graduated from Saint Francis College in Loretto, PA in 1957, with a degree in physics.
Upon graduation, Mike began work at Curtiss Wright in Quehanna, PA, before being drafted into the United States Army, where he served as a Vietnam Era Veteran. He received his honorable discharge in June of 1960. Mike returned to town and worked at several companies in a variety of positions over the course of his working career.
On July 22, 1967, in the Holy Rosary Church in Johnsonburg, he married Helen T. Tomaski, who preceded him in death on August 27, 2012.
Mike is survived by his seven children, Roger Bauer (Georgia) of Erie, Paul Bauer of London, United Kingdom, Patrick Bauer (Jessica) of St. Marys, Kevin Bauer (Kim) of St. Marys, Jeffrey Bauer (Kate) of St. Marys, Randy Bauer of Gibsonia, and Roseann Crissman (Glenn) of St. Marys; 11 grandchildren, Hayden Lewandowski, Evan Lewandowski, Helena Bauer, Camryn Bauer, Luke Bauer, Alex Bauer, Garrett Bauer, Rebekka Bauer, Kolby Bauer, Noah Crissman, and Gavin Crissman; and three brothers, William A. Bauer (Peggy) of St. Marys, Peter B. Bauer (Bernice) of St. Marys, and Jon F. Bauer (Lori) of Mechanicsburg.
Mike was a longtime member of the Crystal Fire Department, serving for 59 years and seven months, and served as Fire Chief from 1976 to 1996. He also served as a former head of the Elk County Haz-Mat team and former Chairman of the Elk County Local Emergency Planning Committee. Mike was a Master Instructor with the Pennsylvania Fire Academy and instructed throughout the state. He was also involved with the St. Marys Red Cross and served as Judge of Elections for the St. Marys First Ward for many years.
Mike enjoyed music, the outdoors, and trains. He was a former president and member of the St. Marys Sportsmen’s Club. He enjoyed teaching Hunter Safety and was proud of his 55 years of service as an instructor with the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Hunter Safety Program. He was also active with Boy Scout Troop 95. Mike’s well-known love for trains led to the establishment, together with his three brothers, of the Bucksgahuda and Western Railroad Company, where he spent many a happy day with his family and friends.
Mike was a member of the Sacred Heart Church. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree and the Cursillo Movement.
Mike’s other memberships include the Catholic Men’s Fraternity, the St. Marys Moose, the St. Marys American Legion, and the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church on Tuesday, July 19, 2016, at 10:00 AM, with the Rev. Eric Vogt, OSB, Pastor, officiating. Full military rites will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Visitation is at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Monday, July 18, 2016, from 5:00 until 8:00 PM.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Crystal Fire Department, 319 Erie Avenue, St. Marys, PA 15857 or to the St. Labre Indian School, c/o Curtis Yarlott, Ashland, MT 59004.