Mr. Bauer was president of Bauer Brothers Construction Company, Inc., and Bauer Brothers General Contractors, Inc. Bauer Brothers contributed significantly to the area’s growth over the years. They built many of the structures in Belleville, including St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Belleville City Hall, Althoff Catholic High School, nearly all of the buildings at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, the Military Airlift Command Center at Scott Air Force Base, IL, and many schools and churches.
Jack was a 1949 graduate of Cathedral High School, Belleville, IL, and attended St. Mary University, San Antonio, TX. He was past-president of the Southern Illinois Builders Association and a board member of the American Builders and Contractors Association. Jack served as a director for Magna Bank, Belleville, IL, and was on the board of directors of Belleville Economic Progress. He was a member of the Belle-Scott Committee, the Belleville Rotary Club, the Belleville Chamber of Commerce, and Belleville Elks Lodge BPOE 481.
Jack’s wit and friendly personality made him many friends both personally and professionally. He had a life-long passion for nature and the outdoors, especially for his fireplace and garden. Jack looked forward to playing cards and board games with family and friends whenever the occasion arose. He loved NFL football, especially the St. Louis Rams. He was involved in the lives of all his family and was a loving and caring husband, father, and papa.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore H. and Nora M., nee Thiry, Bauer; and a son-in-law, Lyn D. Pankoff.
Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Doris N., nee Crowley, Bauer, whom he married on December 15, 1951;
five children, Valorie Bauer of San Diego, CA,
Belinda Bauer of Webster Groves, MO,
Michelle “Shelly” Renner of Belleville, IL,
Theodore “Ted” (Kimberlee) Bauer of Wildersville, TN,
and Andrea (Carl) Renner of Belleville, IL;
six grandchildren, Leslie (Phil) DiCorpo, Kelly Christensen, Amanda Bauer,
Tyler Renner, Ryan Bauer, and Drew Renner;
one great-grandson, Jacob Reinert;
and dear friends, Delmar and Jane Riess.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, September 25, 2015, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A private Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, September 26, 2015, at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. James Buerster officiating. Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
Condolences Left For John R. Bauer
My deepest sympathy Doris and children.
Carol Birk Woodrum, Swansea, IL, 622226
I don’t know where to begin. I have been blessed to call this whole family my second family. my neighbors, my best friend. Hold on tight to the memories. My prayers and love to everyone.
Donna Riess Coughlin, Swansea, IL, 62226
Doris and family, sorry for your loss. I will always remember his sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
DIane, Mascoutah, Il, 62258
I knew him very little but I liked him a lot. My sympathy to Bauer Family.
Tip Belz, Belleville, IL, 62221
Shelly, Belinda, Val, Andrea, Ted — Our parents are so special to us, we have no idea how special until they are gone. Big hugs all ’round.
Monica Smith, SF Bay area, CA, 94901