Richard Bauer

He was born Oct. 16, 1923 in Niagara, Wis. to Joseph and Hannah (Strauss) Bauer. As a young boy, the family moved to Kingsford where he met Phyllis, who would become the love of his life.

In 1933, during the Great Depression, the family moved to Hardwood, establishing a homestead. Richard graduated from Felch High School in 1941.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Pacific Theatre through the early occupation of Japan. Richard began writing of his military experiences on Dec. 7, 2000; the 59th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The first of three editions of his memoirs was published in 2018 in collaboration with Perry Ball, the son of a friend he met during basic training in 1943. Many of the men he served with stayed in contact throughout their lives.

In 1948, he married Phyllis Christensen, who insisted they farm before accepting his proposal. They purchased the neighboring property to the homestead in Hardwood and gradually expanded their farm working side by side into their 90s. They shared a love of the land, nature, animals and hard work and instilled those values in their family. Their partnership lasted 72 years until Phyllis’ passing in 2020.

In addition to his wife, Richard was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Dorothy and Robert; a niece, nephew and son-in-law, Milt.

He is survived by his daughters, Janet (Robert) Green and Gale Brinkman; grandchildren, R.J. Bauer-Green, Megan (Sean Kirkpatrick) Brinkman, Mike (Marshonnie) Brinkman; and great-grandchildren Crew and Millie Kirkpatrick; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the doctors, nurses and staff at Marshfield Dickinson, Oscar G. Johnson VA and especially Optalis (formally Manor Care/Promedica) for the excellent care they provided.

Per his wishes, no services will be held.

Memorials may be directed to Tri Township Preservation Club (Breen, Felch, West Branch), Almost Home Animal Shelter of Dickinson County, Friends of the Dickinson County Library or Friends of the Escanaba Public Library.

Remembrances may be posted on the Erickson-Rochon and Nash funeral home page, www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is assisting the family.