Clinton Bauer, 89
Clinton Bauer, 89 of Freeman, S.D., passed away on March 17, 2025 at the Freeman Regional Nursing Home. A memorial service was held Saturday, March 22 at the Bethlehem Reformed OPC Church, Freeman.
Clinton Clifford Bauer was born April 9, 1935, to Gustav and Elizabeth (Lang) Bauer in Freeman. He was baptized by Rev. Wm. Huenemann on June 2, 1935 and was confirmed by Rev. Wm. Korn on May 29, 1949 at the Johnnesthe Reformed Church in West Freeman.
Clinton attended school at the Wolf Creek District country school through the eighth grade. At age 14, he began working for several area farmers. At age 17, he worked for a local electrician. In 1955, he volunteered for the U.S. Army, proudly serving for two years.
Clinton and Darlene were married on Aug. 17, 1956. They purchased their farm west of Freeman in March of 1957 and began raising their family. They were blessed with three children: Cynthia, Mark and Steven. For 68 years they raised crops and livestock. He especially enjoyed raising his children and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow.
He served the Lord several times and an elder and a deacon at his church. Clinton also served on different local cooperative boards including 27 years with the James River Water District. He was also involved with other water projects for the community lakes, stock dams and local creeks in rural Southeast South Dakota.
Clinton is survived by his wife Darlene, Freeman; children: Cindy (Gary) Price, Hobbs N.M., Mark (Amy Fischer) Bauer, Freeman, Steve (Jennifer) Bauer, Rapid City, S.D.; grandchildren: Brianna Veurink, New Holland, S.D., Shelby (Jesse) Bobbit, Pullman, Wash., Chris (Ravyn) Bauer, Spokane, Wash., Shawn Bauer, Rapid City, Cody Fischer, Tokyo, Japan, Carter and Elly Fischer, Freeman; great-grandchildren: Marlee Veurink, Emma Veurink and Romie Bobbit; sister-in-law Jeanette Kaus; two nephews, one niece; two very special friends and neighbors, Les Diffin and Don Herman.
Clinton was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother-in-law and also a brother-in-law, Bill Kaus.
Clinton was a humble servant of the Lord with a passion for farming. He would sometimes say “you have to do things in this life you might not like to do, but you do it, because it is the right thing to do”. If he told you he was going to do something, he did it. That is the way he lived his life!
