Edward Bauer

Dear Mrs. Bauer, Diane and Carolyn, It's impossible for me to do this in just a few lines. It was so sad when the first thing I saw last Sunday morning was Ed's obit, sporting that same smile I remember, which my Mom had texted to me. It's hard to express how I've always felt about the year in '78 and '79, that Ed and I worked side by side. I can honestly say, and I've told many people over the years, I learned more practical knowledge that I could take through life with me than I did from, '72-'76 at U. of I. Ed's patience, kindness and tactful teaching skills toward me, not to mention his good humor, were appreciated so much by this rookie carpenter. I was amused by his comparison of another house going up in the neighborhood, by another builder of course, to an International House of Pancakes. Then there were his funny daily assessments of a, rare at the time, prefab home going up nearby. He was in his early 50s at the time and had no fear of walking along the top plate of a bare, newly framed wall like he was just walking on solid ground. At the same time this 24 year old probably took it at about the same pace as the Flying Wallendas. It was the same on steep roofs, which was probably my least strong suit. In the colder months it was just, scrape the frost off the plywood with the side of a hammer head in the morning and pick up where we'd left off. When we moved to Chenot Place before 5th grade I was able to see more first hand everyday the unique skills my Dad John, Uncle Bill, Ed and Don Henke used. It was an eye-opener. After watching them on the job a few times and Ed's light green Chevy on the job I was in awe compared to my life of leisure. I think my Dad was more nervous (unusual for him) than I was, about turning me loose with the veterans. The evening before my first day, he had to see if I could nail a 2X4 sill plate perpendicularly to a stud. Between Champaign and Conrath Bros., I survived two record winters in Chicago, which cured me of ever settling there or a similar climate. Speaking of my first day on the job, which was probably the toughest, 100 degrees in May, I was wondering why I'd left Chicago. Also we had to lay the 2X12 floor joists the owner wanted on one of the longest foundations ever in their careers, To Ed it was just another day at the office. To me it was tougher than any football practice, during double sessions in August, I'd been through. I know it was an act of God when I saw young Ed not long after I'd begun my 41 years at American Airlines in the summer of '79. It was at whatever disco was nearby or owned by Augustine's restaurant in the twilight of the disco era. I was so glad I was able to tell him how much respect I had for his Dad. Around the same time when I was starting my new career and I would see Ed he would call me "Rackets" which I took as someone who has another gig going (not necessarily on the up and up). When the Belleville News Democrat did a story on the Conrath Bros. maybe in the late '90s, well after they'd built their last house but were still developing the last Addition of Chenot Place, the reporter interviewed Ed. Along with many kind words, he mentioned that he was a classmate of my Dad in Cathedral High's class of '44. The world has lost a great man who I'll never forget. My deepest sympathy goes out to everyone in your family. John Conrath

I offer my sincere condolences to Shirley and the entire Bauer Family. God Bless...

Diane, Carolyn & Mrs. Bauer, so sorry to hear of your loss. Can't help but remember our neighbors when we were young on Fournie Lane and classmates at St. Teresa's & Notre Dame. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bob, Sharan, Diane & Sandy Buehlhorn

Dear Shirley, Diana and Carol. To you and you family we send our deepest sympathy.

I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great uncle to all of us. He will be missed.

To Aunt Shirl, Diane, Carolyn, and families: Our deepest and most heart-felt sympathies are with you. Our Uncle Ed will always be remembered as a kind, loving, gentle soul. His "sailor" spirit has finally been called to pull the anchor, cut the lines, make way for the heavens' port for there Uncle Ed will forever harbor in our hearts. With much love, Dave and Kathy Goetter and family

Shirley and Ed and the Bauer family,it has been over 73 years since I met you as our dear friends. Robert "Rob" Stauder, my husband, as you always called him,were close buddies, and I pray that they will now meet again. Love to you, Shirley and family. Marcella 'Sally" Stauder

Diane I am so sorry for your loss . Your dad was such a kind man. I will keep you in my prayers .

Deepest sympathy to the Bauer Family. Uncle Ed was a great guy who was loved by all who knew him. God Bless.