Robert 'Bob' E. Bauer, 92

Robert "Bob" E. Bauer, 92, passed away peacefully on Sept. 22, 2026, at home surrounded by family.

He was a third-generation resident of the Kalispell area. He was born April 10, 1934, in Kila to Patsy and John Bauer. He grew up alongside his siblings Carl, Roy, and Barbara.

Bob joined the Air Force at 17 years old and served his country during the Korean War, where he was stationed in Iceland.

In December of 1957, he married his wife, Jean. They spent 69 years together creating countless memories of hunting camp, fishing expeditions, and exploring the Flathead on long drives. Dad was an avid outdoorsman and spent most of his time there.

Bob is survived by his wife Jean; and their children: Linda, Duane (Brenda), Steven, and Patricia; along with his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

After leaving the Air Force, Dad worked in the timber industry. He was a sawyer and a logging truck operator for a time. Then he went to work for American Timber and was their diesel mechanic, working on cats, skidders and anything else that needed to be fixed or welded. He hurt his back lifting to much of the heavy stuff and was "promoted" to grader operator. He graded many roads in Flathead County.

Dad could build or fix just about anything. He built our first house and small garage in Whitefish. When we moved to Kalispell, he built a gambrel roof style garage and a large shop that still stand to this day. After he finished building the shop, you were most likely to find him there working on a car or a pickup, or anything else that needed some work.

We all spent time with him in the shop helping him with a project, learning his techniques or just hanging out.
Dad was a true Ford enthusiast, and acquired quite a few of them through the years. He enjoyed going to Cislo's in the mornings to meet with friends and family for coffee. At home he always had Folger's coffee on hand, black licorice, popcorn, and John Wayne movies. He had a playful spirit, and his mischievous smile will live on in the hearts and memories of all of us.

His grandchildren will always remember the laughter and the joy he brought into their lives - including the unforgettable days when he let them race his riding lawn mowers, run the go cart, and many other fond memories.

Dad (Grandpa) will be deeply missed, but his stories, laughter, lessons, and love will continue to be carried forward by generations to come.

Dad will be cremated, per his wishes, and laid to rest at Glacier Memorial Gardens alongside family. Friends are encouraged to visit our website at buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.