John G. Bauer's Obituary
Mr. John G. Bauer, age 59, of Spring Lake passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, March 23, 2016 in Gaylord. He was born August 8, 1956 in Detroit to John and Geraldine (Moran) Bauer. On May 27, 1989 he married Patricia Barbrick and she preceded him in death on November 12, 2011.
John was a long time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, St. Mary’s Choir and the Grand Haven Knights of Columbus. After retiring from many years of service to the US Post office, John was employed with Harbor Transit, where he enjoyed meeting people from the community. In the fall of 2015 John entered the seminary to pursue his lifelong calling to the Catholic Priesthood. John enjoyed fishing, cooking and spending time in his garden.
He is survived by his children, Kristen (Christopher) Bishop of Spring Lake, Sarah Lillie of Grand Haven, and Erin (Patricia) Lillie of Nome, Alaska; eight grandchildren: C.J., Allena, Nadia, Giavanna, Margaret, Katharine, Broderick, Quentin. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Bauer; brother, Rev. Father Mark Bauer; sister-in-law Margie (Kurt) Fischer; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Geraldine.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 AM Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Visitation will be 1-3 and 6-8 PM Tuesday, March 29 at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Spring Lake, with a Rosary at 3:00 PM. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Interment will take place in Spring Lake Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of John may be given to the Mary Seat of Wisdom Campaign – St. Mary’s Catholic School. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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