John Bauer, 97, Rib Mountain passed away Saturday, December 20, 2014 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at the Hospice House, Wausau. John (Dad) grew up on the family farm in his hometown, Catawba, Wisconsin. He moved to Wausau to start a 30 year career in home construction. He worked first for his cousin, Bernard Kramer, and eventually started his own business. Dad was one of the founding members of the Wausau Area Builders' Association. Later, his sons joined him and he started John Bauer & Sons, Inc. John married Rosemary Schneck on January 20th, 1951, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Wausau. They raised five children, Susan (Tracy Brown), Charles (Carol), Joseph (Sherry), Mary (Paul Hackel), and Lisa (Keith Wise). John had nine grandchildren, Elizabeth (Steve Collatz) Brown, Vanessa (Matt Venskus) Brown, Miranda and Marissa Bauer, Sarah (Josh) Luedtke, Taylor and Marshall Hackel and Afton and Johnathan Wise and three great grandchildren, Breanna, Jayden and Blake Luedtke. Dad loved the outdoors, fishing, deer hunting, camping and snowmobiling with his family. For many years, Dad and Mom owned a camper at Surewood Forest Campground on Lake Alice. In his retirement Mom and Dad traveled the United States and Europe. He enjoyed working around his yard and in his garden. His woodworking hobby resulted in many treasured gifts to his children and grandchildren.Lately, his health prevented him from these activities, but he always joined Sister Angelica for her daily rosary. Spending time with us, seven granddaughters, two grandsons, two great-granddaughters, and one great-grandson brought plenty of joy and smiles into his life. He is preceded in death by his parents, Max and Mary (Hein) Bauer, four brothers, Joseph, Eugene, Benedict and Anton, two sisters, Martha Strobl and Theresia Mindock, and one granddaughter, Melissa Bauer. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. The Rev. Robert Thorn will preside. Entombment will be in the Garden of Eternal Rest Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in John's name. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.comDad, you were always there for us. We love you. Pray for us. -