Garry Lee Bauer

Memorials are suggested to the family in his name for later designation. Cremation was chosen. There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Christ on Newell with Pastor David Haynes officiating.

Garry Bauer passed away Thursday, November 18, 2021 at Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha at the age of 67 surrounded by family.  He was born to Jacob and Phyllis (Svoboda) Bauer in Cozad, Nebraska on April 8, 1954.  The family was complete with older brother, Jake and younger brother, Dwain.  Garry graduated from Cozad High School in 1972.  He married Carol Appelt on June 12, 1976 in Cozad.  This union was blessed with a daughter, Mandy and son, Jared.

He worked at the hay mill with his Dad during his high school years. After graduation he began a 28 year career at Monroe Auto working his way up to Environmental Engineer.  In 2001 he joined DuBois Chemical Company as a sales rep and developed numerous lasting friendships through his work.  At the age of 18, he joined the Cozad Fire Department, receiving numerous awards and serving as President, Rescue Chief and Fire Chief.  He retired after 48 years of dedicated service to the Community and Cozad Fire Department and Rescue Squad. 

Garry greatly enjoyed many outdoor activities.  His favorite things to do included: hunting, fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking and camping with friends and family. He loved spending time at Lake McConaughy and the Niobrara River. He shared his love of the outdoors with others during his many years assisting with the Boy Scouts organization and Outdoor Education. Garry was an avid scuba diver and spear fisherman in the fresh waters of Nebraska and off the coast of California and Hawaii.  Traveling in the US and Canada was very special to him, having visited more than 30 states and hiking trails in almost every state he visited.  He and Carol shared a love for travel, adventure and spending time together.  Garry was a devoted sports fan especially for any sport his kids and grandkids participated in. When he couldn’t attend in person, he could be found watching online and cheering them on. He adored his grandkids and loved spending time with them. Garry was honest, loyal, dedicated, selfless and loving. He was a great listener and sounding board, especially to the family members who talked a lot.

Garry was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jake Bauer, in-laws Jim Appelt, Marvin Thinnes, Edee Thinnes, and nephew David Appelt.

Garry is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Carol; daughter Mandy and Joel Rourke -Waverly, son Jared and Josie Bauer – Lexington, grandchildren Halle, Emelia and Mya Rourke, Owen and Cooper Bauer,  brother Dwain and Lori Bauer-Kansas City, MO, brother-in-law Mick and Sue Appelt - Lexington, sister’s-in-law, Cindy and Jon Schultheiss – Johnson Lake and Pat Bauer - Grand Island, nephew and nieces Kyle and Laura McPhee, Kelsie Bauer, Michelle and David Malcom, Jill and Dan Classen and Ashley and Ronnie Holroyd.

The words written will never do justice to the legacy and man that he was.