Gordon E. Bauer

Gordon E. Bauer, 93, of Topeka, passed away at 10:22 a.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at Hopedale Nursing Home. Born May 3, 1929 in Spring Lake Township, Tazewell County to Calvin and Gladys (Schoon) Bauer, he married Doris Eggena on April 30, 1950 in Green Valley. She died November 17, 2001. He also was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Ryan Bauer; one sister, Joan Stimpert and his loving companion of many years, Linda Meyer. Surviving are three children, Gary (Kathy) Bauer, Denise “Denny” (Bob) Roese, both of Topeka and Kevin “Moe” (Tracie) Bauer of Forest City; three grandchildren, Alyssa (Ty) Bennett of Forest City, Haleigh Bauer of Havana and Wade (Bayley) Bauer of Manito and four great-grandchildren, Elliot Page, Jovie Page, Bauer Bennett and Finnley Bennett. Gordon was a farmer and auctioneer for 49 years, owning and operating Bauer Auction Service. He also was a Boilermaker with Local 60 in Morton for 20 years. He attended Auctioneer school in Fort Smith, Arkansas in 1960. Gordon enjoyed spending time with people and showing horses. He was past-president of Palomino Exhibitors of Illinois, formerly served as a trustee for Quiver Township and was a Paul Harris Fellow from Rotary. He also was inducted into the Palomino Horse Breeders of America Hall of Fame and was a founding member of the Ag of the Past Tractor Pulls. Gordon was giving of his time to 4-H and as a guest auctioneer for Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and various other banquets and fundraisers throughout the area. His funeral was at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Frank Brozenec officiated. Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Woodrow Cemetery in rural Pekin. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mason County 4-H and Junior Show Association, P.O. Box 422, Havana, IL 62644 or to Midwest Central Future Farmers of America, 910 South Washington Street, Manito, IL 61546. To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com