John Allen Bauer, Jr., age 65, of Battle Creek, MI, died from complications of Multiple Myeloma on Saturday, June 9, 2012, at his residence and surrounded by his loving family. John, the son of John Allen and Doris M. (Kistler) Bauer, Sr., was born on July 21, 1946 in Battle Creek and was a lifetime resident. He was a 1964 graduate of Harper Creek High School and received an Associate's Degree from Kellogg Community College. John retired in 2003 from the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center after more than 36 years faithful service with the Air Force Material Command Logistics-Information Support Unit. He was involved with the Wattles Park Men's Club, and in his younger days, he took great pleasure in coaching soccer. He also enjoyed spending time on Beadle Lake, boating and waterskiing. John was an avid coin (numismatic) collector, but his true passion in life was his family and three Golden Retrievers; Misty, Abby and Molly. On November 14, 1986, in Battle Creek, John was united in marriage to the former, Julie A. (Kamps) Craig. Surviving is his wife of 25 years, Julie; his two sons, Steven J. (Sonya) Bauer of Krum, TX and Michael S. (Vikki) Bauer of Battle Creek; a step-daughter, Melissa J. (Ronald) Derrick, Jr. of Fennville, MI; two step-sons, Martin A. (Deborah) Craig of Battle Creek and Jonathan B. (Linda) Craig of Caledonia, MI; 14 grandchildren; his mother, Doris M. Bauer and a sister, Barbara A. (Dr. Blair) Peterson, both of The Villages, FL. John was preceded in death by his father, John in 1997. The Funeral Service to celebrate John's life will be held on Friday, June 15th at 11:00 AM at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Battle Creek, with the Rev. James S. Codde, Chaplain of Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice, officiating. Friends will be received on Thursday, June 14th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John's honor may be made to Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice, 166 East Goodale Avenue, Battle Creek, MI, 49037. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of John may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com

Published in Battle Creek Enquirer on June 12, 2012