John V. Bauer, 76

John Bauer, while surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren, went to be with the Lord suddenly in the evening of Monday, April 27, 2026.

John was born in Great Falls on March 9, 1950, to Carl and Zona Bauer. The family moved to Kalispell soon after John’s birth, where he lived out his life. He attended school in Kalispell, graduating from Flathead High School.

He was proud to spend over 40 years working in the woods, where he loaded and hauled logs all across northwestern Montana until his retirement. He was driving a log truck for John Jump when he met Cathy Holling, who was the love of his life. They were married May 18, 1974.

John and Cathy had three children, Devin Bauer (Kelly) Jonny Bauer (Collette) and Mindi Bauer Thomas (Terrell Thomas). 

He is survived by his sisters, Doreen Conklin and Carol Reum (Don), brother, Fred Bauer (Debbie) and grandchildren, Cole Bauer, Carson Bauer and Taw Thomas.

He was the best example of a husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law and friend anyone could ever hope to have in their life. He enjoyed spending time at the lake surrounded by friends and family, as well as his routine morning meetings at the coffee shop with his friends and family, where they shared stories and collectively solved the current problems of the world. He will be loved and greatly missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of John's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, at Smith Valley Grange. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.