Obituaries

Gary W. Bauer

January 10, 2022

Gary W. Bauer

Gary Walter Bauer, age 78, of Norwalk, passed away Monday, January 10, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family after a yearlong battle with a brain tumor.

He was born June 11, 1943 in Norwalk and was a 1961 graduate of Norwalk High School. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science from The Ohio State University in 1966, and a Master’s Degree in Agriculture Education in 1973. As he was working towards a Ph.D. from Bowling Green State University, Gary was hired as an Assistant Professor at OSU as an extension educator, then later became an Associate Professor and eventually a Professor Emeritus. Gary and his wife Mary met while they attended Ohio State and enjoyed attending Buckeye football games through their 56 year marriage. They also enjoyed taking trips to multiple bowl games to cheer on the Buckeyes. Their family have all been lifelong Buckeye supporters and hold 14 degrees from OSU collectively. Gary was a lifelong member of the OSU Alumni Association and was a charter member of both the OSU Alumni Association of Delaware and Huron Counties. He most recently served on the Erie County Alumni Board as the Huron County liaison. He was instrumental in facilitating multiple OSU Marching Band and Athletic Band concerts in all three counties. He was particularly proud of bringing the OSU athletic band to play at the Huron County 4-H Grade A banquet. Gary was very proud of his two daughters, Wendy and Robyn, and later their husbands Chad and Eric, for marching in The Ohio State University Marching Band.

Being a lifelong educator, Gary started his career at Sunbury Big Walnut High School teaching vocational agriculture, during which time he had a National Gold Emblem Chapter for ten years. He received the National Young Teacher of the Year award in Agriculture. After moving to Norwalk, he continued his teaching career at Monroeville High School. There, the chapter won the National Building Our American Communities Award. During his classroom teaching he mentored more than 40 student teachers, had dozens of members earn their State FFA degree, and numerous other national awards. He was very proud that his son, Scott, began and continues his agriculture education career at Monroeville High School in the same classroom where Gary taught. Gary was a lifelong member of the Ohio Vocational Association, the Ohio Association of Agriculture Educators, and the National Agriculture Educators Association. He grew up learning as a 4-H member in Huron county and then became an advisor as an adult and celebrated his 50th year as an advisor in 2021. He was proud to have second generation 4-H members in his club, the Ridgefield Country Kids. He was on the Huron County Camp Board and was influential in continuing improvements at Camp Conger 4-H Camp. He took leadership of Cloverbud Fun Day when the program lost funding and involved all of the family in welcoming the youngest 4-Hers to Camp Conger for a day of learning and fun.

Community service was also a very important aspect of Gary’s life. He was a founding member of Huron County Project Leadership and continued to serve on the board for his whole life. He served over 8 years on the BGSU Firelands College Board, served two terms as President, and was invited to attend BGSU Board meetings. He also served on the James H. McBride Arboretum Board. He was a charter member of the Heritage Society of Erie County and a member of the Huron County Agricultural Society. He and the Monroeville FFA assisted in moving the current Huron County Heritage house and re-siding the small heritage barn. He served on the Rural Conservation and Development Council Board and the District Five Area Aging Board. He was a member of Ohio Agricultural Council and Huron County Retired Teachers. He also served on the Norwalk City School Board for 11 years, where he helped design and watch over the building of the new high school which opened in 2002. He proudly served three terms as Huron County Commissioner.

Gary was a lifelong member of St. Peter Lutheran Church. He and Mary attended Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Westerville while living in Sunbury. He served on St. Peter’s church council for six years and was president for two. He played a vital role in developing the bell tower while serving on its committee and he designed the original landscape at the Benedict Avenue church. He served as an usher and loved to hear Mary play the organ at church every Sunday.

Family was most important to Gary throughout his life. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary A. (Motts) Bauer of Norwalk, whom he married September 11, 1965; children, Wendy Ann Bauer Reeves of Dublin, OH, Scott Walter (Jill) Bauer of Norwalk and Robyn Lynn (Eric) Rogers of Norwalk; seven grandchildren, Samantha, Sydney, Remington, Kenzie, Crosby, Colt and Clay. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mildred (Godfred) Bauer and his son-in-law, Chad Reeves. Upon returning to Norwalk in 1977 to raise their family, Gary and Mary planted their first Christmas tree at Piney Paradise Christmas Tree Farm. The farm was near and dear to Gary’s heart because of all of the memories with all three generations of the family. The farm will be celebrating the 40th year of sales this year. His tradition-oriented family has provided Christmas decorations for years in their yards and have had a family float in the local parades for 50 years. The holidays were an incredibly special time for the Bauer family. Participating in the county fair was another significant activity for the family. He greatly enjoyed watching all of his children and grandchildren participate in all of their various activities of 4-H, academics, athletics, music, dance, and more.

Friends and family may call on Sunday, January 16 from 1:00-4:00 P.M and 6:00-8:00 P.M. at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 243 Benedict Avenue, Norwalk. Also, from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, January 17 at St. Peter Lutheran Church with Pastor Ann Marshall officiating and Pastor Bob Sander assisting. Burial will follow at North Fairfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be given to the Huron County 4-H Committee for the Gary Bauer 4-H Scholarship or St. Peter Lutheran Church for Christian Day Nursery School educational supplies. The family requests that those paying their respects wear masks and observe distancing.

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Gary W. Bauer

Gary Walter Bauer, age 78, of Norwalk, passed away Monday, January 10, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family after a yearlong battle with a brain tumor.

He was born June 11, 1943 in Norwalk and was a 1961 graduate of Norwalk High School. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science from The Ohio State University in 1966, and a Master’s Degree in Agriculture Education in 1973. As he was working towards a Ph.D. from Bowling Green State University, Gary was hired as an Assistant Professor at OSU as an extension educator, then later became an Associate Professor and eventually a Professor Emeritus. Gary and his wife Mary met while they attended Ohio State and enjoyed attending Buckeye football games through their 56 year marriage. They also enjoyed taking trips to multiple bowl games to cheer on the Buckeyes. Their family have all been lifelong Buckeye supporters and hold 14 degrees from OSU collectively. Gary was a lifelong member of the OSU Alumni Association and was a charter member of both the OSU Alumni Association of Delaware and Huron Counties. He most recently served on the Erie County Alumni Board as the Huron County liaison. He was instrumental in facilitating multiple OSU Marching Band and Athletic Band concerts in all three counties. He was particularly proud of bringing the OSU athletic band to play at the Huron County 4-H Grade A banquet. Gary was very proud of his two daughters, Wendy and Robyn, and later their husbands Chad and Eric, for marching in The Ohio State University Marching Band.

Being a lifelong educator, Gary started his career at Sunbury Big Walnut High School teaching vocational agriculture, during which time he had a National Gold Emblem Chapter for ten years. He received the National Young Teacher of the Year award in Agriculture. After moving to Norwalk, he continued his teaching career at Monroeville High School. There, the chapter won the National Building Our American Communities Award. During his classroom teaching he mentored more than 40 student teachers, had dozens of members earn their State FFA degree, and numerous other national awards. He was very proud that his son, Scott, began and continues his agriculture education career at Monroeville High School in the same classroom where Gary taught. Gary was a lifelong member of the Ohio Vocational Association, the Ohio Association of Agriculture Educators, and the National Agriculture Educators Association. He grew up learning as a 4-H member in Huron county and then became an advisor as an adult and celebrated his 50th year as an advisor in 2021. He was proud to have second generation 4-H members in his club, the Ridgefield Country Kids. He was on the Huron County Camp Board and was influential in continuing improvements at Camp Conger 4-H Camp. He took leadership of Cloverbud Fun Day when the program lost funding and involved all of the family in welcoming the youngest 4-Hers to Camp Conger for a day of learning and fun.

Community service was also a very important aspect of Gary’s life. He was a founding member of Huron County Project Leadership and continued to serve on the board for his whole life. He served over 8 years on the BGSU Firelands College Board, served two terms as President, and was invited to attend BGSU Board meetings. He also served on the James H. McBride Arboretum Board. He was a charter member of the Heritage Society of Erie County and a member of the Huron County Agricultural Society. He and the Monroeville FFA assisted in moving the current Huron County Heritage house and re-siding the small heritage barn. He served on the Rural Conservation and Development Council Board and the District Five Area Aging Board. He was a member of Ohio Agricultural Council and Huron County Retired Teachers. He also served on the Norwalk City School Board for 11 years, where he helped design and watch over the building of the new high school which opened in 2002. He proudly served three terms as Huron County Commissioner.

Gary was a lifelong member of St. Peter Lutheran Church. He and Mary attended Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Westerville while living in Sunbury. He served on St. Peter’s church council for six years and was president for two. He played a vital role in developing the bell tower while serving on its committee and he designed the original landscape at the Benedict Avenue church. He served as an usher and loved to hear Mary play the organ at church every Sunday.

Family was most important to Gary throughout his life. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary A. (Motts) Bauer of Norwalk, whom he married September 11, 1965; children, Wendy Ann Bauer Reeves of Dublin, OH, Scott Walter (Jill) Bauer of Norwalk and Robyn Lynn (Eric) Rogers of Norwalk; seven grandchildren, Samantha, Sydney, Remington, Kenzie, Crosby, Colt and Clay. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mildred (Godfred) Bauer and his son-in-law, Chad Reeves. Upon returning to Norwalk in 1977 to raise their family, Gary and Mary planted their first Christmas tree at Piney Paradise Christmas Tree Farm. The farm was near and dear to Gary’s heart because of all of the memories with all three generations of the family. The farm will be celebrating the 40th year of sales this year. His tradition-oriented family has provided Christmas decorations for years in their yards and have had a family float in the local parades for 50 years. The holidays were an incredibly special time for the Bauer family. Participating in the county fair was another significant activity for the family. He greatly enjoyed watching all of his children and grandchildren participate in all of their various activities of 4-H, academics, athletics, music, dance, and more.

Friends and family may call on Sunday, January 16 from 1:00-4:00 P.M and 6:00-8:00 P.M. at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 243 Benedict Avenue, Norwalk. Also, from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, January 17 at St. Peter Lutheran Church with Pastor Ann Marshall officiating and Pastor Bob Sander assisting. Burial will follow at North Fairfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be given to the Huron County 4-H Committee for the Gary Bauer 4-H Scholarship or St. Peter Lutheran Church for Christian Day Nursery School educational supplies. The family requests that those paying their respects wear masks and observe distancing.

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Online Condolences

JAMES & MADONNA KETCHAM

lancaster, OH, United States
January 13, 2022

OUR CONDOLENCES TO ALL OF GARY'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

Jim Faust

Hillsboro, OH
January 13, 2022

So sorry to hear about Gary. He was a very dedicated teacher and his influence on so many will never be forgotten. He was a close friend and he will be missed. May God give the family comfort at this time of loss.

Ray Garrabrant

Indianapolis, IN, USA
January 13, 2022

Like many others can state, Gary was my teacher, mentor & friend. As a Big Walnut FFA kid, he took us to places I hadn’t been, taught skills I didn’t have and brought out the best in all of us. I owe a great debt of gratitude to Gary & wife Mary that was always there to support.

To the Bauer Family, no words can express my deep sorrow for your loss. Thank you for sharing Gary’s life with all of us.

Dan Fulk

Jeromesville, OH, USA
January 13, 2022

I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Gary. He put Monroeville FFA on the map. Utmost respect for him.

Jim Spiess

Wauseon, OH
January 13, 2022

Mary and family we send our thoughts and prayers. Gary and I both taught in Delaware County during our early years as Ag Teachers and FFA Advisors. Our friendship continued through all levels of Ag Ed. His students were well trained. It was great seeing him at our last Retired Ag Teachers get together.
Ag and FFA Instructors always maintained a special bond.
A Buckeye for Life!
Blessings,
Jim and Dee Spiess

Kurt Simon

Knoxville, TN
January 12, 2022

My sincere condolences. Gary was a great mentor to me in high school at Monroeville. I thought of him frequently over the past 40 years. What a great man.
Kurt Simon

Mary Chisholm Harmon

Willard, OH, US
January 12, 2022

So sorry to hear of Mr. Bauer's passing. He was well known to our family thru 4-H and agricultural. events. He was such a great man to all he touched. He will always be well remembered.

John Whitney

Sunbury, OH, United States
January 12, 2022

Gary was a close friend of both my father, Bill Whitney, and brother-in-law, Jack Brehm, during his tenure at Big Walnut High School in Sunbury. He and Mary always 'stopped in' Whitney Ink while visiting Sunbury to talk about 'old times' and his students' accomplishments down through the years. He will be greatly missed; but leaves a legacy, both through his family and his proteges. that we all would like to emulate. My condolences to all the extended Bauer family on the loss of 'Bear' way too early in his life.

Judy Villard Overocker

Mansfield, OH
January 11, 2022

I have so many fond memories of Gary with Extension, but one of my favorite memories was when we were at the national championship game in Tempe. I heard this "O-H" from afar...... and it was Gary helping to celebrate an Ohio State victory. My sympathy to the family. God has a great one coming into heaven

Nancy Maxheimer

Massillon, OH, United States
January 11, 2022

My condolences to the Bauer Family.
Mary, thank you for always being the wind beneath Gary's wings.
So much love, My dear friend, so many hugs. 24/7

Ron Helle

Malta, OH, USA
January 11, 2022

Deepest condolences to the Bauer Family for their loss. I pray for comfort for the family.

January 11, 2022

My deepest condolences to all on his passing.

Valerie Graham Ohio

Frazeysburg, OH
January 11, 2022

Mary and Family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Gary was the greatest. I always enjoyed working with him. I admired the love that he had for his family and how you always worked together no matter what the event or activity.
My prayers are with each of you.

Jason Bush

Monroeville, OH, USA
January 10, 2022

So saddened to hear this. I first met Mr. Bauer as a child when I joined the Ridgefield County Kids 4H. He was always so involved with the club and the community. He truly cared about people and helping. I continued to remain in contact with him throughout the years. And would always run into.him or his family from time to time. I absolutely knew Id see him and his wife Mary at the Skull secession watching TBDBITL at the Buckeyes football.game. When I started my career in Law Enforcement he was very proud and always had a positive word and conversation with me. I will definitely miss his contagious laugh and smile. You will be truly missed thank you for all the great advice, Rest easy Mr. Bauer. Now you and Coach Woody got the best seat in the house to watch your Buckeyes!!! O-H

scott william horn

Bellevue, OH, United States
January 10, 2022

So sorry to hear the news, Gary was Huron county's best, words don't do justice for all the good he did for entire county. With deepest sympathy at this difficult time

Barb Widman

Norwalk, OH, United States of America
January 10, 2022

Dear Bauer family,
I am so sad to read of Gary's passing. He was one of my favorite people. Also supportive of my position at the district office. Always remembering us at the holidays (along with Mary). He had great insight and vision. He will be missed.

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