Stephen & Alison Bauer

Mass of Christian Burial for Stephen Lee Bauer, 75, and Mary Alison (Daugherty) Bauer, 56, of Baldwin City, Kansas, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 29, 2017 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence. Burial will be held at a later date at Rosebud Cemetery in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Steve and Alison passed away in a car accident on Friday, May 19, 2017 in Anderson County, Kansas.

Steve was born December 7, 1941 in Sycamore, Illinois, the son of Cyril Oliver and Virginia Mae (Cornwall) Bauer and Alison was born November 4, 1960 in Beaumont, Texas, the daughter of Joseph Peter and Catherine Anne (Evans) Daugherty. Steve became an Eagle Scout and went on to receive his B.A. from Iowa State University in 1967. Alison received her B.A. from the University of Kansas in 1984.

Steve married Patricia Ann Seratt October 4, 1963 in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. She preceded him in death October 10, 1995. Alison was previously married to Michael Gerstner in 1983. Steve and Alison were married July 15, 1998 in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

Survivors include Alison’s parents, Joseph and Catherine, Marietta, Georgia; Steve and Alison’s children Shawn Bauer (spouse Vickie) of Phoenix, Arizona; Tim Bauer (spouse Rachel) of Washougal, Washington; Stephanie (Bauer) Brennan (spouse David) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Brian Gerstner (spouse Christine) of Lenexa, Kansas; Catherine Gerstner and Shannon Gerstner, both of Lawrence, Kansas; eleven grandchildren, Matthew Bauer (spouse Raeann), Emma Bauer, Patricia Brennan, Henry Brennan, Chase Bauer, Stephen Brennan, Chloe Bauer, Ryan Brennan, Jacob Bauer, Oliver Brennan and Ava Bauer; Steve’s siblings, Michael Bauer, Thomas Bauer, Susan Thorup, Mary Dandurand; and Alison’s siblings, Joseph Daugherty, Jr, Coleen Hosack, Susan Bragg, Jean Leapley, and Michael Daugherty; and numerous nieces and nephews. Steve was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Laurie Todd.

Steve and Alison were beloved members of the Baldwin City and Lawrence communities. They operated Bauer Inspection and Consulting Services for over twenty years. Steve’s civic contributions include serving as a Baldwin City Councilman since 2015; the Baldwin City Planning Commission; President of James L. Collins Catholic School Board in Corsicana, Texas and City Councilman in Henryetta, Oklahoma. Alison was on the Baldwin City School Board for ten years serving as President for four. Alison actively supporting numerous causes dear to her heart, most recently Mom’s Demand Action for Gun Sense.

Steve and Alison were avid Jayhawk fans. They were both active volunteers supporting the Baldwin City Habitat for Humanity Project. Steve’s passions included fishing, woodworking, classic cars, and his family. Alison loved to read, travel abroad, host friends and family, and was a devoted wife and mother. They often opened up their home to celebrate any occasion. Steve and Alison had a generosity of spirit that will forever touch all who knew them.

A Rosary will be recited at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 28th with a visitation to follow until 5 p.m. at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made in their names to Habitat for Humanity and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

25 Condolences

  1. Aunt Mary Alice "Cookie" Evans Brown on May 22, 2017 at 2:49 pm

    God be with you till we meet again my lovely Mary Alison.
    Got to hold you when you were newborn at Memah and Papah’s house on Peyton Drive in Beaumont. You have been precious all of you llife to everyone. You were born with a light around you that you spread, shared and gave to all. That light will remain not only in our hearts but visible from your good works, the paths that you searched out, and the guidance you have provided. I will hold you in my cherished memories. Will love you forever. Aunt Cookie



  2. Aunt Mary Alice "Cookie" Evans Brown on May 22, 2017 at 2:49 pm

    God be with you till we meet again my lovely Mary Alison.
    Got to hold you when you were newborn at Memah and Papah’s house on Peyton Drive in Beaumont. You have been precious all of you llife to everyone. You were born with a light around you that you spread, shared and gave to all. That light will remain not only in our hearts but visible from your good works, the paths that you searched out, and the guidance you have provided. I will hold you in my cherished memories. Will love you forever. Aunt Cookie



  3. Colette Roth on May 23, 2017 at 11:06 am

    My heart will love Alison and Steve forever. The lives that were touched by both of them are so many in number. I pray for their families and the friends that are so vast. It’s been my great fortune to call Alison my friend for 38 years. She will always be my family. Love you dear heart. Coletteski.



  4. Shannon Hayes & family on May 23, 2017 at 12:22 pm

    I do not have enough words to express my sorrow for the loss of Alison and Steve. I send my deepest sympathy and commiseration. My life was better for knowing them!



  5. Margaret Anne (Sissy) Phillips on May 23, 2017 at 12:22 pm

    We are at a loss for words at a time like this. I will have great memories of you Alison as you and my niece (Colette) have grown up together holding hands through college and a life long friendship (more like family). I will miss you and your sweet smile and think of you often. Prayers to your family and all the friends you are leaving behind. Love you, Sissy



  6. Tammie Peterson on May 23, 2017 at 12:33 pm

    Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.
    –Dalai Lama
    This seems most appropriate. I never had the pleasure of meeting this couple, but the extraordinary outpouring of love for them has inspired me to try to be a better person. My thoughts and prayers are constant for those who grieve. Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted” This is my prayer.



  7. Mary Frasher on May 23, 2017 at 1:55 pm

    When I think of Alison I see a big smile with an infectious laugh.
    We shared our lives from when we were young, full of wonder and ready to go on in life. The Daugherty family is huge!

    Alison was a wonderful kind woman her entire life, a life well spent.

    Will miss her and know that our paths will cross again.

    With tears and all my love,
    Cousin Mary Frasher



  8. MELINDA MESTRE on May 23, 2017 at 4:52 pm

    I am heartbroken to hear this news. I send much ove and sympathy to the Daugherty and Bauer families. So sorry for your tremendous loss.



  9. MELINDA MESTRE on May 23, 2017 at 4:52 pm

    I am heartbroken to hear this news. I send much ove and sympathy to the Daugherty and Bauer families. So sorry for your tremendous loss.



  10. Doug Burson on May 23, 2017 at 6:01 pm

    The souls of our friends and family are never parted. Praying for your families.



  11. Rae Daugherty on May 23, 2017 at 7:50 pm

    Alison you were such beautiful baby and child. That grew up to be a beautiful woman. You were a fire cracker and strong. I hope you see your Uncle John and your cousin John Frasher when enter into heaven. Your Aunt Rae



  12. Whitney Norris on May 23, 2017 at 8:59 pm

    I was privileged to call Alison my aunt for the last 10 years. She and Steve wholeheartedly accepted me as part of their family from day 1, even though I had been given up for adoption and didn’t know the Daughertys until I was 21. Since then, she has been a constant presence through snail mail, texts, social media, and the precious time we got to spend together in person, however limited. She has the biggest smile and the warmest heart of anyone I’ve ever met. I will miss all of her “likes” and supportive comments on Facebook, her big hugs, her laughter, and sharing a glass of Jameson. She was an amazing spirit….if I can emulate her even to a small degree, mine will be a life worth remembering, as hers is.

    My deepest condolences to Alison and Steve’s closest family and friends. We are praying for you. We love you.



  13. Whitney Norris on May 23, 2017 at 8:59 pm

    I was privileged to call Alison my aunt for the last 10 years. She and Steve wholeheartedly accepted me as part of their family from day 1, even though I had been given up for adoption and didn’t know the Daughertys until I was 21. Since then, she has been a constant presence through snail mail, texts, social media, and the precious time we got to spend together in person, however limited. She has the biggest smile and the warmest heart of anyone I’ve ever met. I will miss all of her “likes” and supportive comments on Facebook, her big hugs, her laughter, and sharing a glass of Jameson. She was an amazing spirit….if I can emulate her even to a small degree, mine will be a life worth remembering, as hers is.

    My deepest condolences to Alison and Steve’s closest family and friends. We are praying for you. We love you.



  14. Tom Melancon on May 23, 2017 at 9:17 pm

    Alison and I were born in the same year and I always felt close to her.

    If there is any consolation it is in the faint that she lived a life of meaning and touched many of us along the way.

    My heart goes out to all Alison and Steve’s family members.



  15. Tom Melancon on May 23, 2017 at 9:17 pm

    Alison and I were born in the same year and I always felt close to her.

    If there is any consolation it is in the faint that she lived a life of meaning and touched many of us along the way.

    My heart goes out to all Alison and Steve’s family members.



  16. Kelley Bethell-Smith on May 23, 2017 at 10:26 pm

    Sending prayers of comfort and peace during this time of confusion and loss. I am so very sorry.



  17. Kelley Bethell-Smith on May 23, 2017 at 10:26 pm

    Sending prayers of comfort and peace during this time of confusion and loss. I am so very sorry.



  18. KELLI MUSALL on May 24, 2017 at 9:02 am

    Deepest condolences to the family. I only knew Alison a short while, but her infectious spirit and smiling face made her such a joy to be around. I am happy to have known her in my life, even from a long distance. Rest in peace my friend, until we meet again.



  19. Linda Evans on May 24, 2017 at 9:47 am

    When I married into this family in 1985, I was over whelmed by the sheer number of family members. As I met them all and tried to remember names, where they lived and who all the childrdn belonged to.The first time I met Allison I fell in love. She was so warm and welcoming and reached out with open arms. I felt at home and very comfortable and like I could stay forever. She loved everyone, fought for causes close to her heart, always there with willing heart and hands but her family always came first. As she fulfilled each position in her life she gave all. As my niece and a wonderful friend, I will miss her so very much. Rest well, Allison, prepare a place for me as I will join u soon. Sorry I can’t be there but you will be with me in my heart as I celebrate the joyuos occasion of my sons marriage



  20. Janet Legrand on May 24, 2017 at 11:13 am

    Shawn, Tim, and Stephanie,
    Please accept our condolences on this tragic loss and know that so many here have you in our prayers. We have fond memories of your time here, and hope the days ahead will bring healing and comfort.
    Janet Legrand



  21. Nathaniel Brown on May 25, 2017 at 11:55 am

    Tim,

    Your friends at Farmer’s and I are so saddened to hear of your tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with You, Rochelle and the rest of your family during this tremendously difficult time. Most of us did not know your parents but knowing the type of man they raised is evidence of what great people they were.



  22. Judy Benami on May 25, 2017 at 5:38 pm

    Tim, I just wanted to send my heartfelt condolences to you and your entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this horrific time!

    Judy



  23. Jeanne Crevier on May 25, 2017 at 10:42 pm

    I met Alison only last summer, and she was the kind of person that you felt that you had known all of your life, and you were sorry that you hadn’t. She was such an energizing force for all of us who knew her and loved her — so quick-witted and funny, encouraging (even to buy stuff you knew you didn’t need!), articulate, smart as a whip, and her volunteer sense was unparalleled. I wish that I had had more time with Alison, but then her influence is timeless. Rest in peace, dear Alison — it seems you made the most of the time you had, and we are all the better for it.



  24. John White on May 28, 2017 at 10:04 am

    Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this special couple. My friendship with Alison started around ’80 and it has always been nice to have her there through my life’s twists and turns- triumphs and tragedies.

    I will miss her smile, laugh, hugs, and the way she showed her heart for all to see. Until we meet again Alison and Steve……Vaya con Dios.



  25. Jack Niewold on May 31, 2017 at 10:12 pm

    I am saddened to hear of the deaths of Steve Bauer and his lovely wife. I was a high school classmate of Steve’s, and always found him a dignified, quiet and reassuring presence. I missed him at our 50th reunion in 2009, but have remembered him many times over the years. May they find eternal rest for their souls.



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