Ronald “Duke” Bauer

WATERTOWN, S.D. — Services for Ronald “Duke” Bauer, 93, of Marshall, formerly of Watertown, S.D., will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Watertown. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. today at the Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel in Watertown. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Watertown, S.D.

He died Friday, March 1, 2019, at Heritage Pointe Senior Living in Marshall.

Ronald John Bauer was born Dec. 11, 1925, to Joseph and Helen (Bierscheid) in Watertown, S.D. He grew up in Kranzburg, S.D. and graduated from Watertown High School in 1943. Following his graduation, Ron joined the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1946. He then attended the University of MN, Northwestern University and graduated from SDSU.

Ron married Sharon Rae Dunbar on Feb. 15, 1958, in Kranzburg, S.D. They had four sons, David, Joseph, Thomas and Douglas. Ron was employed as a mail carrier for the United States Post Office until he retired in 1988.

Ron was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

He enjoyed birdwatching, crossword puzzles, woodworking and was a very talented artist. He also enjoyed watching the Minnesota Vikings on TV.

Ron will be greatly missed by his three sons and their families, Joseph (Laurie) of Mobridge, S.D., Thomas (Mary) of Tooele, UT and Douglas (Amy) of Marshall; nine grandchildren, Jared Bauer, Emily (Skyler) Frederick, Megan (Cullen) Cogburn, Jaclyn Bauer, Joey Bauer, Daniel Bauer, Paul Bauer, Joshua Bauer and Matthew Bauer; two step-grandchildren, Erika (Mason) Halligan and Alex Coleman; two great-granddaughters, Payton Cogburn and Joey Frederick; two step-great-grandsons, Griffin and Elliot Halligan; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; his parents; his son, David; and his siblings.