Kenneth Mahan Bauer, age 90, of Lincoln, Nebraska passed away December 14, 2024. He was born February 27, 1934 to Wilbert Clayton Bauer and Dorothy Alice Mahan Bauer in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Ken grew up in Coos Bay, Oregon. He attended Oregon State University, and graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1956. He was a proud Sooner fan.
Ken married his high school sweetheart, Deanne Boynton, on September 3, 1955. They had five children—Christy, Jim, Julie, Karen and Teri. The family lived in Lincoln, Hastings, Kearney,
Beatrice and Norfolk, Nebraska before Ken and Deanne retired in North Bend, Oregon in 1993.
Ken loved ice cream—especially strawberry. Growing up, his parents ran their own ice cream shop in North Bend called The Dari Treat. Ken worked many jobs in his career—at National Bank of Commerce, State Federal Savings and Loan, he owned Norfolk Mobile Homes, and he built The Hub strip mall in Norfolk with his brother—but nothing was sweeter than starting his very own ice cream shop with Deanne in 1991, which they named after their daughter: Christy’s Ice Cream and Yogurt.
Ken had a strong sense of character and a wise sense of humor. He’d often say, “Don’t let your mouth get ahead of your brain.” He loved Mr. Magoo and the Far Side comics. He dearly loved all of his dogs.
In retirement, Ken volunteered for Coos Bay Senior Services and AARP. He also built out his own woodshop. He’d make intricate oak trunks and myrtlewood Irish Parlor Clocks—mostly for his family. In a way, the woodshop embodied all the love he had for them. He relished teaching his craft to his grandchildren and making family members homemade gifts. Ken signed and dated every piece, sometimes adding a cartoon drawing. Ken and Deanne owned a cabin on Tenmile Lake near Lakeside, Oregon. They enjoyed hosting family, teaching grandchildren how to water ski, after-dinner games of Monopoly and Clue, and late nights listening to old time radio episodes of Prairie Home Companion and The Shadow.
Before he passed, Ken’s final meal was a strawberry milkshake, brought to him by his family.
Ken is survived by his wife Deanne of Lincoln, NE, Christy of Joplin, MO, Jim of Eugene, OR,
Julie Semrad of Lincoln, NE, Karen Bowling (Tim) of Elkhorn, NE, Teri Grove (Steve) of Lakeside, OR, brother Dr. James Bauer of Santa Rosa, CA and sister-in-law Sandra King of Tumwater, WA, four nephews and one niece, 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, step-mother Irma Bauer, son-in-law Daniel Semrad, and sister-in-law Jeanette Bauer.
A private celebration of life will be held June 21, 2025 in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Share a Memory or Condolence
Ken and Deanne were our neighbors that lived directly across the street from us for 12 years in North Bend, Oregon. Ken always had a friendly greeting and a quick smile. He also had such a witty sense of humor. My husband Jim and I will miss him greatly swell as sweet and kind Deanne. One of my favorite stories was when he would talk about the cabin at the lake.
– Susan Paterson
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