Bruce D. Bauer

Dr. Bruce D. Bauer, originally from Hazel Park then Berkley, has gone to eternal rest with the angels. Dr. Bauer is predeceased by his parents, Dr. Ernest W. Bauer and Beth C. Bauer. He is survived by his brother, Dr. Ernest William Bauer, Jr., the mother of his children, Amy M. Bauer and eight children: Dr. Thomas (Dona) Bauer, Dr. Kathleen Bauer, Dr. David (Beth) Bauer, Susan (Alejandro) Bauer, Dr. James (Donnamarie) Bauer, Dr. John (Carolyn) Bauer, Maryann (Dr. Steven) Pearl, and Amy (Jerry) Campbell.
Bruce loved spending time with his large family, which also includes 18 grandchildren: Scott (Joanna) Bauer, Tara (Paul) Georgeadis, Chaz (Alyssa) Bauer, Michael Bauer, David (Brianna) Bauer, Gabrielle Bauer, Elise (Phil) Adkins, Sean Bauer, Sam Bauer, Megan Bauer, Dr. Adam Pearl, Pierce Bauer, Martin Bauer, Anna Bauer, Ally Bauer, Katie Bauer, Sarah Bauer, and Jackie Bauer. They were his pride and joy, and he was affectionally known as "Bumpa." This past year he became a great-grandfather to Madelyn.
He attended Hazel Park Schools as a child. He was in the band, played football and ran track in high school. After graduating from Hazel Park High School, a semester early at age 17, Bruce enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he obtained the rank as 1st Sergeant. He loved his country, and was proud to have served. Piggybacking off of his love for the military was his love for flying. He earned his private pilot's license in his 40's, and would take his children up in a single-engine Cessna that he rented.
Bruce began college at Virginia Polytech, then transferred to the University of Wisconsin. He then completed his Bachelor of Science at Kalamazoo College. He also lettered in track at Kalamazoo. He continued his education in medical school at the University of Michigan, and graduated in 1953.
Dr. Bauer was a pillar of the community. He was a dedicated physician. He and his brother, Bill, followed their father's legacy (a founding father/physician) at William Beaumont Hospital-Royal Oak. He and his brother, Bill, joined their father in family practice in Hazel Park. The practice then moved to Berkley. From there Bruce and Bill were part of the original 13 doctors in the Emergency Room in the 1970's at Royal Oak Beaumont. He was one of the first Board Certified Emergency Physicians in the State of Michigan. During that time he was a member, then President of the Oakland County Medical Society. He also volunteered at the free clinic in Detroit. Bruce remained at the Royal Oak ER until Beaumont opened the Ferndale Clinic, where he and Bill were once again in practice together. Dr. Bauer retired from the Ferndale Clinic.
Besides medicine, Bruce is known for his love and commitment to his Catholic faith. A lifetime member of the National Basilica of the Shrine of the Little Flower, Bruce was an active parish leader. He was a Eucharistic minister, Catechism teacher, member of the Serra Club, and served on the Parish Council. He dedicated many hours of service to the parish and parish priests, often making "house calls" to the rectory over the years. Bruce was a passionate advocate for Right to Life. He participated in the annual Shrine Fish Bake.
Perhaps one of his biggest passions was music. The leader of the band "The Heartbeats," Bruce played the clarinet, piano, trumpet, saxophone, and accordion. He led bands from high school, college, in the Army and during his career as a doctor. Now he will be playing in the Big Band in the sky. His legacy of love, dedication and faith will live on through his extended family and friends.
Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (between 14-15 Mile Roads) Monday, June 20th, 2-8pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Woodward at Twelve Mile Road, Royal Oak, Tuesday, June 21st at 10am. Friends may visit beginning at 9:30am. Burial will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery at a later date.
The Mass will be live-streamed and can be watched via: https://shrinechurch.com
Memorials appreciated to Right to Life, 2340 Porter St. SW, P.O. Box 901, Grand Rapids, MI 49509-0901.