Alton Alvin Bauer

Mass of Christian Burial for Alton Bauer, 87, of Herreid, will be at 10:30 am, Saturday, January 24, 2026, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Herreid. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. A visitation will be held from 5 pm to 6 pm, Friday, January 23, 2026, with a prayer service at 6 pm at the church. Alton passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at St. Alexis Hospital in Bismarck, ND.

Alton Bauer was born on January 21, 1938, to Alvin and Ida Bauer. He grew up on the family farm east of Herreid and attended rural grade school before graduating from Herreid High School in 1956. While helping his parents farm, he also attended Northern State University. In 1955, Alton enlisted in the National Guard and served until 1962, including active duty during the Berlin Crisis from 1961 to 1962.

On October 7, 1967, Alton married the love of his life, Gladys Bendish, in Mandan, North Dakota. Together they moved to the family farm, where they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work.

Farming was Alton's life's work and great pride. He cared for the land with humility and patience, earning several conservation awards over the years. He loved the simple gifts of farm life: good crops, good cattle, good neighbors, and the changing seasons. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather who cherished family gatherings and the chance to share stories and laughter.

Alton was a member of St. Michael's Church, where he served as a lector, sang in the choir, and was a eucharistic minister. He was active in his community throughout his life, serving as a Jaycee in earlier years, spending ten years on the ASC Committee, twelve years on the Herreid School Board (1981–1993), and serving on the Herreid Equity Board. He also belonged to the American Legion in Herreid.

Alton lived a hardworking life and leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength, generosity, and love.

He is survived by his wife, Gladys; his children, Denise (Steve) Watzel, Christi (Brian) Schaefbauer, Cory Bauer, and Jason (Stacy) Bauer; his grandchildren, Benjamin Watzel, Alysha (Nik) Davis, Hayley Schaefbauer, Ashlin Schaefbauer, Garret Schaefbauer, Bailey Bauer, Brady Bauer, Broc Bauer, and Bentley Bauer; his great-grandchildren, Emery Davis, Noah Davis, and Turner Davis; his sister, Arlene Kerher; his brother, Lonnie (Cynthia) Bauer and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Myrtle Knoepfle.

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