Eugene "Gene" Bauer

Sturtevant – Eugene F. Bauer; age 80; affectionately known as “Baby Dumpling” and “Dump”; passed away peacefully at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Monday, December 14, 2015 following a courageous battle with cancer.

Gene was born in Northbrook, IL on November 25, 1935 to the late Joseph and Theresa (nee: Stanke) Bauer. He faithfully served our country with the United States Army from 1954-56 in France. He joined the Army with his lifelong friend / childhood neighbor, Richard “Dick” Chilla (aka Chili Bean) on February 10, 1954. Gene & Dick always called each other every year on that date – to remember their service and they celebrated their 75th Birthdays together with a huge party at Bauer’s Place. He was a proud member of the AMVETS and American Legion. Gene was a successful farmer on his land, Bauer Farms, for most all of his life. He also owned / operated of D&D Bauer Enterprises and Cart Mart, Inc. for many years. Not even his recent terminal illness could force Gene to retire.

Gene was a member of St. Sebastian & St. Lucy Catholic Churches. A tireless laborer with a strong work ethic, he loved being in the outdoors. As a perfectionist, Gene always had straight lines in his immaculate lawn and enjoyed entertaining / hosting gatherings to share his beautiful property with all of his loved ones at his very own “Bauer’s Place”. Not even the cancer could keep him off his mower….tending to his yard during the entire past summer. Gene also was an automobile enthusiast who was fond of collector cars and summertime car shows. Most fitting, his favorite color was Lamborghini Orange. Above all, Gene treasured the times spent with family.

Surviving are his loving wife of 30 years (married June 29, 1985), Deborah “Debbie” P. (nee: Lenzing) Bauer; sons, Jeffrey Todd Bauer (Sherri Davis) and Rory Gene Bauer (Penny); grandchildren, Joseph L.T. Bauer (Trista), Alyssa Witherow (Collin) and Jessica Bauer; great-granddaughters, Briella and Madilyn Bauer; sisters and brothers, Virginia McCabe, Frances “Tootie” Smetana, Joseph Bauer (Delores “Dollie”), James Bauer (Pamela), Charles Bauer (Janet) and Charlotte “Sis” Zboril; step-mother-in-law, Jane Lenzing; sisters-in-law, Marti Fuller (Wayne), Mary Bauer, Anita Lenzing and Joanne Fornero; brothers-in-law, James “Jim” Lenzing (Joyce), Patrick Prater, Tony Betko (Roxie) and Wallace Patzke; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends – too numerous to mention all by name.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Frances (nee: Betko) Bauer (of whom passed away on November 10, 1979); brothers, Donald and Robert Bauer; sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Patzke; father-in-law, Jerry Lenzing; mothers-in-law, Elizabeth “Betty” Betko and Josephine (nee: Allred) Terrian; father-in-law, Charles Betko; brothers-in-law, Bernie McCabe, Joe Smetana, Les Zboril and Rodney Betko; and grandmother, Annette “Nettie” Lenzing (of whom lived with Gene & Debbie for 3 years).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 18, 2015 at 11:00 am in St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 3126 95th St. in Sturtevant, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday from 5:00 – 8:00 pm and in the church on Friday from 10:00 – 11:00 am. At Gene’s very own request, memorials to the Bauer family (to be used towards the education funds of his cherished great-granddaughters, Briella and Madilyn) has been suggested. Also, please offer a kind deed to someone in need…..in memory of Gene.

A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Michael Mullane & team; Dr. Robert Gullberg & team; and to the Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints 2nd floor for the compassionate care and support given in Gene’s time of need. Also, special thanks to Gene’s friend, Ed Chapin, who was always available during his illness by getting him to appointments, picking him up for coffee each morning, and helping Debbie with his last trip to the Cancer Clinic; and to Tony Burchyett (aka “Billy”) a neighbor and like a 3rd son to Gene, for his help with mowing the lawn during Gene’s first cancer treatment and for his loyal friendship. May God bless all of you!