John H. Bauer, age 82 of Elkton, SD, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at Dougherty Hospice in Sioux Falls. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, January 16, 2023, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Elkton with burial at Ss. Simon and Jude Catholic Cemetery in Flandreau.  Visitation will be from 2-4 P.M. Sunday, January 15, 2023 at St. Mary's Hall in Elkton with a Wake Service and sharing of memories starting at 4:00 P.M.  Skroch Funeral Chapel of Elkton is assisting the family with arrangements.

John Henry (Jack) Bauer was born on July 14, 1940, in Madison, SD to Henry and Cora (Athey) Bauer and passed away on January 10, 2023 at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD. He was raised on the family farm in Moody County with his sister, Rosemary (Gill). John loved farm life and especially his horses; Trigger and Babe. If John wasn't playing cowboys, he was playing baseball, basketball, or practicing stealing bases. Roy Rogers was his favorite.

John attended country grade school and graduated high school in 1958 from Egan, SD. His love for sports continued all through his life. His favorite sport was baseball and to this day, holds the record for the most stolen bases in one game. He was extremely competitive and participated in all sports. His coaches often praised him for his dedication and drive to succeed. John's love for the game was shared with his teammates. He turned his hay "mow" into a basketball court. Many Saturday evenings were spent in the mow playing ball and later hosting dances for his friends. After high school, John received his bachelor's degree from General Beadle (Dakota State) College in Madison, SD. He continued his love for sports by playing on the inaugural baseball team, basketball, and later became student body President. After graduation from college, he joined the Air National Guards until his honorable discharge in 1962.

John met his life partner, Charlotte Bunkers, on a blind date. They were married on December 29, 1962 in Colman, SD. After this union, John and Char moved to Sioux City, Iowa where he began his 43 year career in education. They decided to move closer to home so John accepted a position at Elkton High School. They made Elkton their home. John continued his education at South Dakota State University receiving his Master's in Education. He worked as a teacher, counselor, social worker and school psychologist in Elkton, SD, Lake Benton, MN, and Canby, MN. They were blessed with three daughters; Lisa, Jacqueline, and Jennifer. John and Charlotte raised their children to have a strong faith, work ethic, and compassion for others. It was not uncommon for John to work late into the night helping children. From time to time, these same kids expressed their appreciation by sending notes, letters and even stopping by his home for a short visit.

John had a devoted summer paint crew and through this built life -long friendships. His summer and weekend earnings purchased their family lake cabin. Lake Cochrane is still a place for the family to gather and make lasting memories. John's favorite hobby was spending time at the lake with family and watching his grandchildren and now great grandchildren participate in athletic events. He was so proud of them. John also belonged to the Knights of Columbus and American Legion.

John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Charlotte (Bunkers) Bauer, loving daughters Lisa (Ervin) Gebhart, Elkton, SD; Jacqueline (Craig) Otkin, Verdi, MN; and Jennifer (David) Bauer-Fuhr, Harrisburg, SD; eight grandchildren; Stephanie, Kaitlin, Cassidy, Brittany, Elizabeth, Callie, Benjamin and Joseph: great grandchildren: Emersyn, Veda, John, Eloise, Anna, Hudson, Brayden, Olivia, Jackson, and Josie. John is preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother in-law Rosemary and Robert Gill, Diane and Cal Calescibetta, and Helen and Roger Moe.

John was a man of faith and devout Catholic his whole life. We will miss his love for each and every one of us.