Herbert Charles Bauer

Herbert Bauer Obituary

BAUER, Herbert Charles
Of Elmira, NY
Was called to a better life on Saturday, November 1, 2008, after a valiant struggle with Alzheimer's disease. He was born June 18, 1924 in Elmira, NY to William F. and Harriett (Foehner) Bauer who preceded Herb in death. He was predeceased by sisters, Marie Elston, Eunice "Fuzzy" von Kleist; brother, William F. Bauer; nephew, John Elston. He is survived by brothers, John J. Bauer of Amelia, VA; Richard F. (Norma) Bauer of Big Flats, NY. Herb was a lifelong bachelor who doted on his family of cousins, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. He is survived by nieces, Sara Ciurcan of Williamson, NY, Karen Bissell of Randolph, NY, Patricia von Kleist of Niceville, FL, Carol Wellner of Amelia, VA, Theresa Doughty of Moon Township, PA, Susan Budney of Falls Church, VA, Pamela Brownell of Hamden, CT, Diane Incze of Honolulu, HI; also nephews, Stuart Elston of Knoxville, TN, Andrew Elston of Seattle, WA, William H. Bauer of Ontario, NY, Peter Bauer of Pasadena, TX, Jay Bauer of Grants Pass, OR; along with many grandnieces, nephews and cousins. Herb was a lifelong resident of the city of Elmira, save the last year when he spent time at Absolute Care in Painted Post, NY and stays at Bethany Court Yards and finally Bethany Manor Horseheads, NY. He was also well known to the staffs of the ER, Floors 2-D and 3-D at St. Joseph's Hospital. He received excellent loving care at all the above-mentioned facilities. Herb was an employee of NYSEG for 42 years, all but the first one or two years as a Construction and Maintenance Technician. He was a life-member of the Elmira Elks B.P.O.E. Lodge # 62. He was honored as Elk of the Year for 1966 to 1967 and 1992 to 1993. He was an Honorary Founder of the Elks National Foundation. He had an active sports career being named to the Elmira Sports Hall of Fame for both Softball in 1977 and Baseball in 1979. He was named an All Star forward in the YMCA Black Hawk Basketball League. Herb was also an Eagle Scout. At Herb's often-stated request, there will be no prior calling hours. Burial will take place privately at the convenience of the family in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Elmira, NY. The Reverend Jane Winters will officiate. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira, NY. A "Candle of Remembrance" may be left for the family in obituaries at www.olthof.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Star-Gazette on Nov. 3, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Herbert Bauer

7 Entries

Barbara Doyle Hennessey

November 5, 2008

Herb was a classmate of my father's and in later years spent many hours with my elderly grandfather. Our family appreciated so much the time Herbie gave to Grampa as we all lived so far away from Elmira. Herb was a wonderful, kind and caring man. He will be missed.

Andrew Elston

November 4, 2008

Uncle Herb was the kind of uncle everyone should have.

When we were a band of 14 young nieces and nephews in the 50s and 60s, we all secretly admired his bachelorhood and what seemed to us like a carefree independence. He always had a case of six-ounce Fanta sodas down in the cellar keeping cool--and he'd let you just go down there and pick any flavor you wanted! At family picnics he always came late, but he always arrived with ice cream sandwiches that were still frozen. We spent long summer evenings watching him play ball at Eldrigde Park. There were road trips in his Buick Roadmaster, his exotic Borgward, or his luxurious Lincoln Continental. There was always a dog by his side or in his lap.

He could drive you crazy with his teasing and make you mad with his bent perspective on politics. But he was always ready to poke fun at himself, too. No one was more generous with his affection and attention when it was needed most. He befriended many elderly people who needed help and he became their enduring companion. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for someone who needed help--and he never wanted to be thanked for it.

So many memories of a very special man--he'll live on in our fond recollections. I'm grateful that he has gone to a better place where there's nothing called Alzheimer's to erase his memories of happy years in the company of loved ones.

Andrew Elston

November 4, 2008

Herb was notorious for not wanting his picture taken. But my wife, Kathleen, was once lucky enough to catch him in an unguarded moment. This is from 1997. We think this captures his spirit as well as his image.

Kathleen Collins

November 3, 2008

Uncle Herb was one of a kind.
The mold was broken....
He was a most generous, kind and caring man. He took care of so many friends and family.
His care of his sister, Marie, allowed her to stay on Draght Hill Road until her death. Our children and I will always remember Saturday night dinners with Grandma Marie and Uncle Herb. Red wine with ginger ale!? Lots of political talk. (I could never win) And Herb's ever present dry wit. The last time we saw him, Herb didn't remember exactly who we were but he certainly told us some fun family stories.
God's speed, Herbie.
We love you.

Kathleen Collins (Andrew Elston's wife)

Charlotte Annis

November 3, 2008

Rich, Norma and families,
Sorry to hear of Herbie's passing. He is now at peace. We are thinking of you at this time.

Chuck and Charlotte Annis

Lori Kline

November 3, 2008

To the Bauer family
I remember Herbie when I was a little girl, coming over to shoot baskets with my Dad, always having his dog when he visited. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family at this time.
God bless,
Lori Kline, Shirley Bauer and family
Carol and Jack Thank you so much for visiting Dad last year before he passed and bringing Herbie. It meant so much to us

Dick Dalton (former Postmaster)

November 3, 2008

Sorry to hear of Herb's passing. I knew him when he played softball at Eldridge Park and he often came to Brand Park to watch the Cinderella Girls Softball teams play. He is a legend in sports in the Elmira area and will be missed.

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results