More detail on this person: RAPID CITY - Clay
Bauer, 75, Rapid City, died Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012,
at Rapid City Regional Hospital Hospice House.
Clay was born Aug. 2, 1936, in Hot Springs to John
and Erma (Walker) Bauer. During Clay's early life,
he was adopted by George Bauer and Alice Bauer
and gained three sisters, Alice Margaret Bauer,
Cynthia Bauer and Cathy Bauer, also a brother,
George L. Bauer. After graduating from St.
Augustine High School in San Diego, Calif., Clay
enlisted in the military and served for 21 years.
During his military career, Clay rose to the rank
of Warrant Officer. He served two tours in Vietnam
as a Rotary Wing Pilot on an Attack Helicopter and
was awarded numerous commendations including
the Bronze Star and Vietnam Gallantry Cross
w/Palm.
Upon return from Vietnam, he had a three-year tour
in Hanau, Germany.
When Clay and Joyce returned to the United
States, Clay retired from the Army and enrolled at
the University of Nebraska where he received his
BA degree. He received his Master's Degree in
Human Resources from George Washington
University in Washington, D.C., and then worked
for the government as a technical writer. He was
offered a job in Dubai, United Arab Emirates,
where they lived for seven years. They traveled
throughout the Middle East and enjoyed their home
plus meeting people of different cultures. It was
a great experience. After returning to the United
States, Clay and Joyce traveled in many states,
including Virginia, Alabama, California, South
Dakota and settled in Rapid City in 1995.
Clay is survived by his wife of 42 years, Joyce of
Rapid City; two sons, Andrew Bauer and spouse,
Cheryl, and Wade Allen Bauer and spouse, Paige,
all of Seattle, Wash.; three brothers, Vern Bauer
and spouse, Helga (Eisenbraun) Bauer of Rapid
City, John Bauer and spouse, Georgene (O'Clock)
Bauer, of Littleton, Colo., and George L. Bauer of
Washington State; one granddaughter, Maya Bauer
of Seattle, Wash.; and three sisters, Alice
(Bauer) Kuester, Cynthia (Bauer) Barresse and
Cathy (Bauer) Reed all of Washington State.
Clay was preceded in death by his father, John
Bauer; stepmother, Violet Bauer; and adoptive
parents, George Bauer and Alice (O'Leary) Bauer.
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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