Joseph Bauer

Joseph Frederick Bauer was born Nov. 21, 1933 in Kankakee, Ill., the only child of Gladys (Kaiser) and Joseph E Bauer.  
After high school he studied to become a machinist and served as a machinist while enlisted in the US Airforce. During his tour of duty most of his time was spent in Germany.
On Aug. 30, 1958, Joe married Mary Molson in Aroma Park, Ill. After many vacations traveling west they decided that the Black Hills of South Dakota would be their new home.  In the early ’70s the family campground was established as “Bauer’s Camping,” now known as the Crooked Creek Campground.
Joe was a member of the Masonic Lodge for nearly 70 years. Also he was a member of the Naja Shrine where he served as president of the Provost unit. He loved riding his Honda.
Joe enjoyed life—he did it his way! You may have seen Joe out cruising Hill City in his motorized chair while proudly flying the American flag. He spent much time out and about.  Never apologize for being too patriotic—that was Joe.
Joe, of Hill City, S.D., passed away Friday Nov. 29, 2024 at Monument Health Hospital. He was 91.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and grandsons, Nicholas Renshaw and Tommy Ray Johnson.
Joe is survived by his wife, Mary June Bauer; daughters, Mary Jo Neisius (Jeff Fox), June (Jim) Peterson and Kay Bublitz; son, Joe Bauer; grandchildren, Shanna (Russ) Martin, Stephanie Johnson, Scot Johnson, Andrew (Mallory) Neisius and Cameron (Dawn) Bauer; and five great-grandchildren.
Celebration of life memorial is planned for 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28 at the Hill City Cemetery.   In lieu of flowers family requests donations be made to the Tin City Masonic Lodge.