Grandpa Donny

Today was Grandpa Donny’s funeral. Although it was a very sad and extremely exhausting day, it was one that left us feeling encouraged about how we need to live our lives for the Lord. Grandpa Donny was a great inspiration to us and everyone he knew. He was full of love and acceptance. At the reception we were able to see many people we haven’t seen in a long time. Needless-to-say, it was a bittersweet day. Katelyn and Emily hung out with Nana and Larry as Emily was still feeling tired.


Donald A. Bauer
(Died June 20, 2007)

His warm smile gave just a glimpse into a heart that was overflowing with love and generosity. Donald A. Bauer was born Donald Shreck in Grand Junction, Colo. in 1936. He was a family man and a logger as well as an avid horseman in his younger days. Donald, 71, died in a tragic accident June 20 at his home in Cusick. As a teenager Donald moved to Cusick Valley where he was adopted by Clifford and Mary Bauer. He graduated from Cusick High School in 1954 and married the love of his life, Phyllis Jean Boggs, two years later on December 28. In his earlier years Donald enjoyed horse racing and rodeos. He raced horses until his body couldn’t take it anymore, but then he moved on to the "iron horse" - his four wheeler, which he trekked across the desert during winters in Arizona. Donald was also a logger and worked for IBEX construction for more than 30 years - almost every job he did included a saw. He was a family man through-and-through and loved taking his children camping and hunting as well as watching his grandchildren play basketball. He was always willing to lend a hand to those in need and constantly reminded everyone around him to be kind to one another. Donald was preceded in death by his parents Cliff and Mary Bauer, brother Wayne Kramer and brother-in-law Troy Doupe. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Phyllis Bauer and their children LaDonna (Mike) Jones; Linda (Cory) Neville; Cliff (Gloria) Bauer and Lori (John) Haikkila. He was also survived by his two sisters Rita (George) Howe and Rose Doupe. He had eight grandchildren: Chad (Sara) Reijonen; Jay Haikkila; Chris (Sarah) Reijonen; Koby (Lacy) Haikkila; Jared Campbell and Coleman, Riley and Cameron Bauer. He also had one great-grandchild Jackson Reijonen. Survivors also include numerous nieces and nephews.