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Burnett C. "Burnie" Bauer
July 23, 1916 ~ October 28, 2011 (age 95) 95 Years OldShare using:
Burnett Bauer, 95, resident of Granger, passed away at 5:29 AM on Friday, October 28, 2011 in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka. He was born July 23, 1916 in Underwood, North Dakota, on the hottest day of the year to the late Calix and Theresa (Reuter) Bauer. He graduated from Good Thunder High School, Good Thunder, Minnesota where he achieved Eagle Scout Status. He went east to attend Notre Dame University, where he played baseball and football. He graduated in the Class of 38, and went on to attend Graduate School, and met a professor of speech and drama at St Mary’s College. On April 14, 1941, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Burnie married Helene Genevieve Cryan, who preceded him in death on March 9, 1988.
Burnie was a longtime member of Little Flower Catholic Church. He cofounded with his wife Christian Family Movement (CFM). He was active in several clubs: the Notre Dame Alumni/ Monogram Club, Lions Club, Sierra Club, Foundation for International Cooperation, and Knights of Columbus His strong faith drove him to seek political office to improve the quality of life for families. He was elected as an Indiana State Representative in 1964 where he served consecutive terms, and then as a State Senator. He wrote some of the first environmental legislation. He served as Secretary for the Class of 1938 of Notre Dame until 2003. Burnie was the former owner of Bauer Soft Water. He was member of the Western Avenue Business Association. Among the recognitions and honors he received were the Outstanding Catholic Layman Award, being named Knight of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, and being chosen as a Sagamore of the Wabash.
Burnie was a lifelong avid fan of Notre Dame. Burnie was a devoted husband, adventurous traveler, smart businessman, strong advocate for his beliefs, and wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Despite his failing health his good sense of humor never failed. The family is grateful for the loving care from his care givers Bernadette Bauer and Ann Fountain for many years.
Burnie is survived by his children: State Representative B. Patrick (Karen) Bauer, Teresa (Marvin) Lopata, Margaret Fountain, Barbara (Larry) Kowalewski, Matthew (Marcia) Bauer, Bernadette Bauer, Mary Frances Griffin, and Brenda Bare; eighteen grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren. He is also survived by four sisters: Callista Whiting, Joan O’Hara, Mary Jo Ederer, and Rita Rank; and one brother Cal Bauer.
In addition to his parents and Helene, Burnie was preceded in death by one daughter Elizabeth Ann Bauer on April 21, 1988, and by his second wife Vicky Kelly Bauer who he married in 1993, and who passed away in 2005.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Monday, October 31, 2011 in Little Flower Catholic Church, 54191 N Ironwood Drive, South Bend, IN. Graveside services will follow in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 – 6:00 PM Sunday, October 30, 2011 in Palmer Funeral Home – Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, as well as one prior to Mass at the church on Monday.
Contributions in memory of Burnie may be donated to Milton Adult Day Services, and the American Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be left for the Bauer family at www.palmerfuneral homes.com.
Visitation
SundayOctober 30, 2011
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Hickey Chapel
17131 Cleveland Road
South Bend, IN 46635
Visitation
MondayOctober 31, 2011
9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
St. Therese, Little Flower Catholic Church
54191 Ironwood Road
South Bend, IN 46635
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