A reflection on the Life of Charles Leo Bauer Sr

The family would like to thank all of you for taking part in this celebration of the life of Charles Leo Bauer Sr. Charles, Charlie, Chiz, Chizzle, Dad, Grampa, Bill and as of last night we learn, ‘Sea-Baby’. A man of many names with a huge heart, a great sense of humor, a profound love for God, his wife, children, grand-children, ice cream and golf.


Dad and Mom began building their family by first building their home. In that home they would set in place a foundation for living their life fully dependent on God’s grace. As the domestic Church they would honor God, dedicate the home and children to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and teach their children to know, love and serve God.


Dad was a man of deep faith, living his life with spiritual integrity! He would be for his wife a wonderful supportive husband. For his children, an excellent example of sacrifice, giving, patience and wisdom. He taught us what was really important in life. Here’s is what some of his children had to say:

• ”We were (and are) a family that prays together. He gave us his love for the church and faith in Jesus Christ.”
• “We knew we had something special, something other families lacked – a loving, nurturing environment.”
• “Dad’s faith was my first catechism.”
• “Dad never got angry. One time on a difficult project I said "If I were you, I'd be ticked off by now." He said "Why, it's an inanimate object? It doesn't have any feelings against me. If the parts aren't going together, then it's because I'm doing something wrong."
• “Dad told us to not cheat in the little things like on our expense reports and tax returns, and to leave what is not yours where it is.”
• “Dad paid one of our bills without being asked. When I protested, he said, “Sometimes, you have to be humble enough to accept help because the person giving has a need to give.” When asked how he wanted to be repaid, Dad said ‘You cannot repay me, but it is not free – sometime in the future you will be in a position to help others, and you have to help them in turn.’”
• "I was amazed that after having damaged his property accidentally, he was so calm, and patient with me."
• “Dad taught me the correct priorities in life – God, spouse, family, and work”

Dad taught us how to enjoy life through his unique sense of humor and keen insight into human nature! I remember the times he would sit with my kids open a magazine and begin to pick out food items and pretend to eat the food right out of the magazine. In amazement, each child would take their turn eating. And how about the stories of Ickus, Kickus and Kaboo. Three boys off on some adventure which almost always ended with saving the town and celebrating with an unending supply of ice cream which never made you sick! And did you ever see him with a bigger smile when he let us kids select ‘Just one.’ piece of candy from a box with a variety of shapes, sizes and flavors. “I love to watch them examine each piece”, he’d say, “and try to determine which one to take.” And how about this time as my sister wrote, “While watching the TV show “Bonanza” Dad started running towards the TV with one of those a big decorative wooden spoons saying "HossCartright it is time to take your medicine!" My how he loved to play!



And play he did….golf that is. He loved his golf. Couldn’t get enough of it and was actually a full member of the local country club until this past year! He was always practicing his swing, reading about some obscure new method to straighten out the ‘dip’ in his swing. Nothing could stop his practicing. The iron with the heavy rock taped to the club head, remember? Golf balls and tees everywhere, a driving tee with net along side the house, His favorite saying, ‘Let’s go hit a bucket of balls!’, shagging his drives on some remote piece of property. He had a drive that was straight and true and a putting skill that was as he called it ‘deadly accurate’. If he were here now he’d want this whole eulogy to be about golf.


Dad could often be heard confusing the names of his children. Joe was John, John was Joe, Mary was Loretta, Loretta Mary, Stephen was Peter, Peter Stephen, Paul was Charles, Charles Paul. Anyone of us could be called by any combination! We once toyed with the idea of wearing name tags. They’d be wrong of course but it would have been fun to see his smile. We did however decide to call him Bill. It only seemed fair! Eventually a greeting of ‘Hey Bill’ would become a greeting of affection.

For Dad Christmas time was the most special time of the year. It was a time where all the elements he cherished so dearly came together – God, Church, family and child-like excitement. As the head of the family he kept the focus where it should always be. God first and foremost. He began a tradition that has endured, continuing in all of our homes. We would begin Christmas eve reading scripture and singing songs. We’d bless the Christmas tree with holy water, bless the manger scene and pray before the Christ-child. In blessing the manger we’d pray, “Make it be for us a means of sanctification, that imitating His humility our soul maybe a worthy dwelling place for His rebirth.” In the end we would wish each other a very personal ‘Merry Christmas’ followed by a loud and boisterous meal.


This past Christmas Eve we all prayed for Dad as he lay confined to a bed humbled by a debilitating disease and near death. Dad’s soul had been prepared by his years of faithfulness and so he was again reborn! Our Lord and Savior called him to join the community of saints, to hold close those that had gone before him and for which he loved and missed. Joseph would be John; Fr. Jerry was Fr. Paul; Alice was Katie, Katie Alice, and heaven forbid he call St. Peter St Stephen! But Leo would be Leo I’m sure for he had no other reference point! And Leo would show him around the place, Dad right in step with him! Imagine if you will with me that Leo shows him around and leads him to his home, the one he build by all the good he did while here with us. The caring and loving way he treated everyone. A majestic place it would be and Dad would be in awe. The Lord would greet him, he would prostate himself before Him. Jesus would raise him up and welcome him home! We love you Dad.