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: 01/11/2025
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