Charles "Chuck" Bauer

Charles “Chuck” Bauer, 66, of Fairbury, NE passed away January 5, 2018 at Bryan East Hospital in Lincoln, NE.  He was born June 28, 1951 at Norfolk, NE and was adopted by Norbert and Rozella (Portwood) Bauer at age 5.  Chuck attended Fairbury Public Schools graduating from Fairbury High School in 1969 and attended two years at Fairbury Junior College.

He was confirmed on April 11, 1965 at the American Lutheran Church in Fairbury.  On May 11 1974, Chuck and Carol (Miller) were united in marriage at the American Lutheran Church in Fairbury by Rev. Kenneth Jacobsen.  To this union one son, Gregory, was born.

Chuck worked at the Bonham Theater for 8 years, starting at the age of 14.  He worked most weekends there, unless he was too young to show the movie.  Most of Carol and Chuck’s dates were to the movies while he worked there.  He was happy to be able to attend the first movie when the Bonham Theater re-opened this fall.  He worked for Fairbury Foods a number of years when they first came to Fairbury and worked for the City of Fairbury at the Wastewater Treatment Plant for 31 years, the last 4 1/2 years as Superintendent of the Plant.

Chuck was an avid golfer, often times playing until after dark.  He started C & G Golf Cart Service in 1998 and prided himself in keeping the carts of the local golfers running.  He was a trap shooter since the early 1970’s and thoroughly enjoyed shooting with Greg and special friends Dick, Nate, and Homer.  There were many bird hunting weekends with Roscoe and crew, and just as many stories to go with it.

Chuck was a member of Fairbury Elks Lodge for 45 years.  He held many positions in the chairs, as a trustee, and was currently the Exalted Ruler for the third time.  He was known for the memorization and delivery of lodge rituals.

Chuck is survived by his wife Carol and son Gregory of Fairbury.  Cousins Kem (Dawn) Portwood of Beatrice, Michael (Kathy) Schidler of Beatrice, and Linda (Ken) Benton of Lincoln, along with a host of extended cousins, family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Grandparents Joe & Rose (Koch) Portwood, Carl & Emma (Huss) Bauer, Father and Mother-in-law Delmer and Marjorie (Hauschel) Miller Leonard.

Services will be Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Faith Lutheran Church in Fairbury with Pastor Ken Hart officiating.  The family will greet friends on Tuesday evening at the Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 p.m.  Memorials will go to the family’s choice.   Burial will be in the Fairbury Cemetery.  Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury is in charge of arrangements.