Obituary
Guest Book
Robert Carl "Bob" Bauer, 85, went to be with the Lord June 10, 2012 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. His body has been cremated and a visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, June 15, at Ankeny Funeral Home, 1510 W. First St., Ankeny. A celebration of life will be 3:00 p.m., Saturday, June 16, 2012 at Grace Church, 4200 E. 25th St., Des Moines with interment of cremated remains at a later date in Nora Springs, Iowa.
Bob was born on February 22, 1927 in Mason City, Iowa to Carl "Steve" Brown and Wilma Bauer Brown. After the death of his biological mother when Bob was only three years of age, his grandmother Gertrude Bauer, adopted him. On June 6, 1948, Bob married Eleanor Louise Miller and to this union were born five children; Keith, Gary, Darrell, Rebecca, and Roberta.
Bob attended Mason City schools and graduated from Mason City High School in 1945. He was active in scouting and was a past cub master and explorer post leader of the Boy Scouts of America. He was involved in home construction and remodeling in the North Iowa area until he relocated to Ankeny in 1974 where he specialized in drying up wet basements. He never really retired as he continued to operate his basement water containment business up until the time of his death. Bob was active in mission trips, which took him to The Philippines, Nicaragua, Peru, frequently to Mexico and made many trips to the Rosebud and Pine Ridge Indian Reservations taking with him bicycles, clothing and building supplies. He was always constructing something for someone. In 2003, Bob received the Heroes of the Heartland award recognizing his mission work. Bob loved the outdoors, camping, boating, and canoeing. He included his grandchildren on many of his campouts teaching them to canoe and fish.
Bob is survived by his wife, Eleanor of Ankeny, IA; sons Keith Bauer and wife Nancy of Clear Lake, IA, and Gary Bauer and wife Cathy of Clear Lake, IA; daughters Rebecca Michalowski of Ankeny, IA and Roberta Bauer of Atkins, IA; brother Russell Bauer and wife Shirley of Ottumwa, IA; two nieces and three nephews; seventeen grandchildren and thirty-three great-grandchildren; special "adopted" daughter Nohemi "Mimi" Lopez and her husband Paco Lopez and four sons of Des Moines. Bob was preceded in death by his birth parents, his mother/grandmother Gertrude Bauer, his grandfather Art Bauer and one son Darrell.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
July 14, 2021
Family
Roberta Bauer
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Roberta Bauer
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Roberta Bauer
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Roberta Bauer
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Roberta Bauer
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Roberta Bauer
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Roberta Bauer
i miss my dad!!!
July 7, 2013
Charles and Connie Morris
Our prayers and sympathy to your family. There's a new name written down in glory.
June 15, 2012
Tracy Klein
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
June 14, 2012
Rex Dupea
I'm sorry for your loss I remember Bob from the time a was a little boy. He was a good man.
June 14, 2012
Denise Jones
Everyone who ever met or knew Bob is incredibly blessed. I'll never meet a man I'll admire more.
He was full of compassion, selfless, generous, humble & totally devoted to helping others. His face & voice gleamed with Godly radiance as he spoke about his mission trips. He always had pictures in his shirt pocket with smiling children and families whom he just helped, when I'd bump into him. He had either just returned, or was preparing to leave to help someone somewhere. He built medical facilities & brought medical equipment, built churches & kitchens & brought toys, & bikes, etc. He rolled up his sleeves & made things happen-big things, important things, essential things. He literally brought tons of help to 1,000s of people in need. In railroad cars, vans, trucks-anything with wheels. But the most important thing he ever brought was himself. Because when in Bob's presence, you could literally feel love & joy radiating from his spirit. He greeted everyone with a twinkle in his eye, a big smile, a bear hug or robust handshake & his wonderful warm resonant voice. He was a treasure! Bob loved everyone he ever met. He was a Godly man, a shining example, and a precious & dear friend.
June 14, 2012
Brian & Ronda Underwood
What a beautiful obituary and testimony of Bob's ministry to so many people over the years! Know your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
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Robin Meyer (Worley)
My thoughts and prayer are with you during this time.
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Eleanor and family, You are in my prayers during you time of sorrow. I am here if there is anything that I can do. Leah Shriver (Gassville, AR)
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