Frank Bauer

Frank Bauer, age 89, of Bloomington, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday morning surrounded by family. Born January 13, 1929, in Connersville, Indiana, the son of Philip and Julia Ann (Ransbottom) Bauer. He received a B.S. degree in Business from Indiana University in 1953 and an M.S. in Education in 1976 after retiring as a Major in the U.S. Army with over 20 years of active military service. He served 2 tours of duty in the Vietnam War. He and his wife, Beverly then went on to own two businesses, Forrest Park Child Care Center for twenty years and the first Monroe County Bed and Breakfast, the Bauer House, in their 140-year-old historic home. He also owned a family farm in Illinois which has been in the family for over 150 years. Frank was a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity and competed in the Little 500 bike race in 1953 with his fraternity. He was a life-long member of the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. He and Beverly were both involved with the Monroe County Historical Society and Museum and the Military Officers Association of America.

Frank was an adventurer and traveler. He hiked the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine and canoed the Wabash River from Fort Wayne to Vincennes, tracing the travels of the French Canadian voyageurs. He ran his first mini-marathon at age 62 and rode in the Hilly Hundred Bi-cycle Tour. He greatly enjoyed history, books and traveling the world with his family visiting historic sites.

Frank is survived by six children, Barbara A (Brett) Haley, Frank Austin Bauer, Mary Lucinda (David) Ray, Jean Elizabeth Bauer, all of Bloomington; Ashley Marie Bauer, of Raton, New Mexico, and Catherine J. Bauer-Martinez (Rene Habacuc Martinez Chavez), of Indianapolis; six grandchildren, Elizabeth Lucinda Ray, Boyd James Haley, Meghan Jamie Garcia (Esteban), David Bauer Ray, Lydia Eugenia Bauer-Martinez and Lillian Jean Ortiz y Pino Bauer, one great-grandchild, Santiago Ray Garcia; two sisters, Mary Catherine Heines and Joann Hendricks along with numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all including his beloved dog, Timahoe.

Frank was preceded in death by his loving wife of 42 years, Beverly Jean (Austin) Bauer, son, William James Bauer, brother, Philip Bauer and two sisters, Margaret Doughty and Julia Ann Pearson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday (12/11) at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Fr. Tom Kovatch officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Maple Grove Cemetery. Family and friends may visit on Monday (12/10) at the Deremiah-Frye Mortuary; 700 W. Gourley Pike from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Rosary will be recited at 8:00 p.m.

Online condolences may be given at www.DeremiahFryeMortuary.com