Ann Bauer

Ann Bauer of Berrien Springs was born in 1914 in a sod house on the western prairies of North Dakota. Her parents immigrated from Russia around 1903, seeking freedom and an escape from their fear of an imminent Revolution. Ann was the oldest of 5 children who grew up on a farm, but after high school graduation in 1937 traveled 600 miles to go to college to become a nurse. 

On September 2, 1940, the day after graduating from Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska she married Albert Bauer and they lived and worked in North Dakota, British Columbia, Wisconsin, and Michigan during their careers and raising a family of four children together.

Ann experienced and survived the Depression, two World Wars, learning to drive when her oldest child turned 16 (they took drivers education and their licensing exams together!), and all the marvels of modern technology. She was one of the first Tupperware Dealers in the 1950s, deciding there was more flexibility in direct sales than shift work as a nurse. Over the next 42 years, she was “the Tupperware lady,” driving a station wagon and training dealers, as well as being one of the Top 25 sales leaders in the US for many years. She realized her goal of providing a Christian education for all four of her children, including a college education with no student loan debt!

Ann’s early life was one of hard work, so as an adult almost any reason was a good excuse for a party! Her family, friends, and neighbors were recipients of birthday parties, Christmas baking, and wrapped presents. Laughter filled her home. She remembered birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestone events with cards and baked goods or her raspberry jam. 

The Bauer family moved to Berrien Springs in 1966 and Ann became an active community member. Some favorite traditions were the 4th of July Pancake Breakfast and Parade, Camera Club, Garden Club, concerts, and traveling with tour groups. She and husband Al shared a lifelong goal of visiting National Parks, which grew into camping trips for their family while visiting relatives and/or traveling for a work-related convention. 

In retirement, Ann and Al spent almost 20 years traveling in the US and internationally, with travel to local and regional Michigan destinations and to every continent except Antarctica! They also enjoyed getaways in their travel trailer, then a small RV for “snow birding” and meeting friends at various destinations around the United States.

Their home was always a hub of activity. Over several decades they hosted high school girls playing in the Wisconsin state basketball tournaments, missionaries on furlough needing a temporary “home,” and then Andrews University international students feeling displaced and far away from family. Most of them have stayed connected through Christmas cards and phone calls from faraway places like Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Iceland, Canada, and Great Britain.

Some of Ann’s favorite activities were sewing and crafts, gardening, and travel. She made a handmade quilt for each of her six grandchildren when they graduated from high school! She loved entertaining in her home and going for an impromptu picnic at Weko Beach or Waren Dunes State Park and watching those gorgeous sunsets. 

Ann was a deeply spiritual person whose Faith inspired a healthy lifestyle and a positive outlook on life. She was genuinely interested in all the world had to offer and was a “lifelong learner!” 

She and her youngest brother started the “120 Club” many years ago. When asked what that was, she said, “well, based on science, if you take good care of yourself, there’s no reason you can’t live to be 120 years old!” It appears she almost attained her goal!!

At the age of 105, Ann moved to Woodland Terrace of Bridgman. The family will always be grateful for the excellent care and love Ann received from all the staff as well as from Caring Circle Hospice Services. 

Family: husband Albert (pre-deceased)

4 children: Luanne Bauer (Liza), Bruce (Linda) Bauer, Ken (Diana) Bauer, Raelene Brower

Grandchildren: Jeff Bauer, Heidi (Eric) Starling, Jen (Ross) Moes, Charisa (Eric) Clarkson, Ben (Kathy) Brower, Kirt (Kelli) Brower

Great-grandchildren (who delighted in calling her “GG”): Connor, Kennedy, Kaylin, Madelynn, Luke, Brett, Judah, Kai, Khloe, Kenzie, Niscene, Bailey, and Avery.

Memorial gifts: in lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to help fund Christian education for international students at Ruth Murdoch Elementary School. Make checks payable to “Andrews University” and include in the memo line the following: RMES International Scholarship Fund. Mail to Office of Development, 8903 Old US 31, Berrien Springs, MI 49104-0660. Give online at andrews.edu/go/give/rmisf 

Memorial Service February 24 at Pioneer Memorial Church (Ann was a member). Visitation with family begins at 3:30, service begins at 4 pm. Private graveside service. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Allred Funeral Home in Berrien Springs, Michigan.