Bobby Joe Bauer of the Schnellville-Birdseye communities passed away June 17, 2024, at Memorial Hospital surrounded by family. He was born August 23,1948 to Kenneth and Elfrieda Harder Bauer. He married Valerie “Kaye” Hein and became the father of two sons, Jeffrey and Jeremy Hein.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Kaye; two sons, Jeff (Amber) Hein of Bedford, Indiana; and Jeremy (Tasia) Hein from Jasper, Indiana. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Dru (Duy) Hein, Alexis (Jarod) Lipson, Alison (Charlie) Hein, and Elyssa Hein; five siblings: Mary Lou Schnell of Lebanon, IN, Susie Kluesner of Dubois, Gary Bauer of Dubois, Donna Kaye (Leroy) Bleemel of Jasper, Rick Bauer of Jasper, and nieces and nephews. Also surviving are three sisters-in-law; Joyce Abell, Judy Abell, and Janet Abell.
Preceding him in death were his and Kaye’s parents, and brothers-in-law, Richard and Kermit Abell.
He graduated from Dubois High School in 1967 and enjoyed planning and attending class reunions held each year.
Bobby was well-traveled, living in Fort Lauderdale and Denver through his twenties and thirties, where he explored various job opportunities at golf courses, bartending, and traveling to both sell and install industrial restaurant equipment. Later in life, he returned home to his Southern Indiana roots to settle down. Bobby was a long-time employee at Kimball International, where he was an avid supporter of “Relay for Life”, and helped with the organization of many fund-raisers to support the teams. After retiring from Kimball, he worked part-time at Fischer’s Electric in Schnellville.
The absolute highlight of his life was his grandchildren. Bobby and Kaye made it their mission to attend every sporting event their grandchildren participated in no matter how far they had to travel. They also enjoyed the Jasper Wildcats Marching Band contests and volunteering for fund-raising.
Bobby loved playing golf, woodworking, making furniture from old barn lumber, bird-watching, and mowing and caring for his lawn. He was an avid and lifelong fan of IU basketball. He never met a stranger, making friends wherever he went, and he loved teasing those he loved. His dog, Tippy, was a special joy in his life as well. She didn’t go a day without sharing a cookie with her papaw.
The family would like to offer their sincere thanks to the Schnellville First Responders for their quick response and to the Dubois County Sheriff’s Deputies for escorting Kaye to the hospital. Their calm and professional support in a crisis was greatly appreciated. The family also appreciates the care and support given to Bobby and his family by the staff of Memorial Hospital.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, 6/29/24 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Dubois. In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial contributions may be made to the Schnellville and Birdseye Fire Departments or a favorite charity.
