Ralph Forrest Bauer was born in Altamont, IL on August 23, 1939 and departed this life in Bridgeton, MO on August 11,2022 at the age of 82 years, 11 months and 19 days.

Growing up on a dairy farm, Ralph learned the importance of hard work which was a lesson he carried with him his entire life.

He was a 1957 graduate of Altamont High School and following his senior trip, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) where he spent 7 years.  While serving in the USMC, he met and married Mary Aguerro in 1960 to whom he was married for 53 years until her passing in 2013.

After being honorably discharged, Ralph continued to serve his country in both the Air and Army National Guard until retiring in 1989.  He was also employed by the McDonnell Douglas Aerospace Company for 32 years until his retirement in 1996.

After retirement, Ralph and Mary enjoyed their time together as well as with their children and grandchildren teaching them good values, the importance of family and providing babysitting and chauffeuring services.  Ralph was very proud of the fact that he was a father, brother, grandfather, uncle, great uncle and great grandfather.  Ralph also enjoyed reading, traveling and cooking Sunday breakfast for anyone who might happen to show up.  He continued to serve his country through his volunteer work with the American Legion and VFW including weekly fish fries and bingo.

Ralph was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Bauer, his parents, Ralph E and Marie Bauer, a brother, Paul Bauer, a sister-in-law, Veronica Bauer, two brothers in law Jack Lauth and Don Zimmer, as well as a son, Michael Bauer.  Those left to mourn are his children:  Vicky (Brian) Steffens, Jessica (Ernest) Voris, Patrick Bauer, daughter in law Katie Conley, grandchildren, Nicholas (Stephanie) Bauer, Jeffrey (Courtney) Steffens, Amanda (Kyle) Rumph, Adam Bauer, Alexis Bauer, Elizabeth (Aaron) Cooper, Brittany (Nick) Kroll, Hunter (Abby) Voris, Samantha Bauer, Danielle Bauer, Grace Bauer, Allie Bauer and great grandchildren Lily Bauer, Lyla Bauer, Jack Bauer, Ella Bauer, Juniper Steffens and Bennett Cooper, sisters Rose Zimmer, Betty Lauth, Carol (Jack) Heilman, Ruth Smith, and Linda (Jim) Garfield.

Visitation for Ralph Bauer is scheduled at Ortmann Funeral Home on Friday, August 19, 2022 from 9:30 to 11:15, followed by a funeral service and interment at Jefferson Barracks.  A celebration of life is scheduled on Saturday, August 20, 2022 from 1:00 to 6:00 pm at the American Legion Thoman-Boothe Post 338 pavilion and all who knew Ralph are welcome to attend.  Suggested attire for the celebration of life is a Hawaiian shirt.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in honor of Ralph be made to the Thoman-Boothe Post 338 American Legion, 9655 Midland Blvd, Overland MO 63114 and VFW Post 3944, 10815 Midland Blvd, Overland MO 63114.

Ortmann Funeral Home   www.osfuneralhomes.com