Anthony M. Bauer

Anthony M. Bauer, 80, of Mankato passed away Thursday, December 31, 2015 at his home surrounded by family.

 Services will be held 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at Mankato Mortuary, 1001 N Riverfront Dr., Mankato and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at a later date at Calvary Cemetery. 

 Tony (known as "y-not" to his friends) was born June 19,1935 to Frank and Ida (Tatge) Bauer in Mankato.  He graduated from Loyola High School in 1953 and later received his apprenticeship from Mankato Technical Institute.  On September 15, 1962 he married Janice Hodapp.  Tony was a member of SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church.  He was employed by Continental Can Company as a Machinist for 46 years, and retired from there in 1997.

 Tony served in the United States Army from May 13, 1958 to May 12, 1960, and spent 13 months in South Korea as an Operations Intelligence Specialist on the 38th Parallel Line.  He achieved the rank of Private First Class and was honorably discharged from the United States Army Reserve on April 30, 1964.

 Tony loved all things outdoors and was an avid conservationist.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, cross country skiing, biking, canoeing, and spending time at his place on Lake Francis.  He was a lifetime member of the NRA and Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, Bend of the River Chapter.  Tony was the first president of this chapter and assumed leadership positions with many fundraising events, community service duties and Youth Days.  Tony promoted youth participation in the outdoors and always found it important to get as many people involved in conservation as possible.

 Tony is survived by his wife, Janice of 53 years; children Keith Bauer, Michelle (Rick) Rigdon, Deborah Bauer, and Sue (Jerry) Westman; grandchildren, Mariah, Luke, Kiersten, Bethany and Alexis; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Joe, Clarence, and George; sister, Anna Marie; and infant daughter, Lynn Marie.

 The family prefers memorial to be given to Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA).