Millie M. Bauserman

Millie M. Bauserman, 96, passed away peacefully at home on June 11, 2025, after a brief illness. Surrounded by her loving family in her final days, Millie's heart was full-as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she cherished every moment spent with those she loved most.
Millie was born on November 11, 1928, in Springdale, Pennsylvania, to John and Veronica (Paluch) Pupik. Her parents, originally from Turzovka, Czechoslovakia, immigrated to the United States before World War II and later settled in Rossford, Ohio, when Millie was a young child. The family quickly became part of the vibrant Slovak community in the area. After graduating from Rossford High School, Millie joined the Slovak Gymnastics Union Group (Sokol), where she performed ballet and rings. A highlight of this time was performing at Soldier Field in Chicago during the opening of the World's Fair, alongside groups from across the country. Millie later attended Bowling Green State University, studying childhood education. In the spring of 1953, she met the love of her life, Robert Bauserman, at a University of Toledo fraternity dance. They were married on July 10, 1954.
Millie's Slovak heritage was woven into the fabric of her family's daily life, with Slovak often spoken among her siblings and friends. Traditional pastries like kolache and poppy seed rolls became beloved desserts, while stuffed cabbages and chicken paprikash were staples at family dinners and holiday celebrations. Whenever the extended family gathered, the house was filled with the sounds of laughter, lively music, and polka dancing.
After moving to Perrysburg, Ohio, Millie poured her boundless energy into community service, becoming an integral part of St. Rose Catholic Church. She chaired the Altar and Rosary Society and was a familiar face at countless school committees and fundraising events. Millie found particular joy in working with special needs children at Toledo's St. Francis de Sales School and contributing her talents to the Perrysburg Historical Society's Design Review Board. Later in life, she volunteered as a reading tutor for Ohio Reads at Fort Meigs Elementary School. Once her children graduated from high school, Millie dedicated time to assisting with medical billing at Dr. R. Shaw's office, working alongside her sister, Minnie Ilconich, RN. In her free moments, Millie could often be found gardening, cooking, relaxing at Devils Lake, Michigan, or enjoying a good book.
Millie deeply valued her family, faith, and community. She and Bob cultivated many steadfast friendships, often spending winters with friends in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Together, they traveled widely throughout the U.S. and Europe, and cherished visits with relatives in Czechoslovakia. For 45 years, Millie enjoyed lively games of bridge with her longtime friends. She and Bob delighted in hosting elaborate gatherings at their home, where Millie's attention to detail and warm hospitality ensured every guest felt special. As a mother, she was ever-present, never missing a single activity or milestone in her children's lives. Once her children started families of their own, Millie doted on each grandchild, and she and Bob loved taking them on memorable adventures. Even in her nineties, affectionately known as "Grams," Millie could be found on the floor, playing with her great-grandchildren. Her independence, encouragement, and ability to bring joy to others will be fondly remembered.
Millie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert, her sisters, Mary, Minnie, Irene, and Helen; and her brother John.
Millie is survived by her sons, Steven (Janice) and Phillip (Sue Ann); her daughter, Robin (Ron) Gillmore; her grandchildren, Amy, Zachary (Tamako), Jacob, Annalise, Lauren (Jonathan) To, and Andrew (Lindy); and four great-grandchildren, Jude, Baylor, Drew, and Maya.
Visitation will take place at Saint John XXIII Catholic Church in Perrysburg, Ohio, on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Mass at 10:30 a.m. A private burial for immediate family will be held at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John XXIII Catholic Church in Millie's honor.