Shirley Mae (Siemen) Bauer

Shirley Mae (Siemen) Bauer, age 82 died peacefully at home with family at her bedside on Tuesday May 26, 2015.  We praise God that she is now at peace with her Lord and Savior. 

Shirley was born January 20, 1933 at Cady’s Corner, Marion County Michigan to Florence (Toeppner) & Arthur Siemen (both deceased).  She was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church in Fraser, Michigan.

She graduated from St. John’s Lutheran School (8th grade) and then from Fraser High School – Class of 1951.  Shirley then pursued her nursing degree-graduating from Henry Ford Hospital School of Nursing in 1955.

She met the love of her life, Dr. Arnold G. Bauer at the Lutheran Chapel in Ann Arbor, Michigan and they later married on August 21, 1955.   They began their marriage with a honeymoon in Northern Michigan prior to living in Gelnhausen, Germany for 2 years where Arnie served in the Army as a dentist.

Their experience in Europe drew them back to Northern Michigan where they made Boyne City/East Jordan their home.  During their years together, she and her husband traveled extensively through the United States, Europe and many other parts of the world.  They also enjoyed regular stays at their vacation condo in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. 

In raising her 3 children Penny Schonsheck, Patty Walton and Mark (deceased), she lovingly instilled the values of faith, love, hospitality, service and community.  She also shared these values along with her wit and humor with her neighbors, family and many friends.  She enjoyed the outdoors including boating, sailing, skiing (snow and water) and flower gardening.

As a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Boyne City, Shirley was active in Choir, Altar Guild, Ladies Aid, Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, Children’s Programs, and Youth Counselor.

Shirley actively served her community in many ways including involvement in Eta Nu and Xi Gamma Beta Sororities, Girl Scouts as troop Leader, East Jordan Board of Education; Board member of Boyne City Swim School,  Chairman for Charlevoix County American Red Cross and Coordinator for Boyne City Bloodmobiles.  She also was a frequent Dental Assistant in her husband’s dental practice.

Shirley is survived by her husband Dr. Arnold Bauer, Daughter Penny (Chris) Schonsheck, Daughter Patty (Al) Walton.  Grandchildren Tim Schonsheck, Mike (Lindsay) Schonsheck and Great granddaughter Elizabeth (Elli) Schonsheck.   In addition, through marriage Donica (Gary) Lopez, and their children Matthew & Troy Lopez and Eric Walton and his children Emily, Jacob and Jordyn Walton.

Visitation will be held 4:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, May 29, 2015 at Stackus Funeral Home in Boyne City.  A funeral service will be held 4:00 PM Saturday, May 30, 2015 at the Christ Lutheran Church with visitation being held from 3:30 PM until the time of service followed by a dinner.  Pastor Kenneth Bernthal will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials should be directed to Christ Lutheran Church, American Red Cross or the Gideons.

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