Edward E Bauer

Our Lord called Edward Ernest Bauer, 44, to his Eternal Home on Friday, February 15, 2013. A vigil rosary service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 22, 2013 and a Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 23, 2013. Both services will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with Fr. Dennis C. Day officiating. Msgr. Timothy J. O'Donovan, Fr. Carlos A. Prez, and Fr. Bob Lilly will concelebrate. Edward was born on April 21, 1968 in Spokane, WA to Walter and Patricia Bauer. He was a lifelong resident of Sagle, ID. Edward had a very happy childhood with his brother and sister at the family's home in Sagle. On Edward's 8th birthday he was stricken with encephalitis. After seizuring for nine hours and nearly losing his life, he was left with epilepsy. This he battled for the rest of his life and is what finally took his earthly life from him. Most people never knew what an incredible challenge this was for him. Undaunted by this and never using his condition as a crutch, though, he accomplished nearly everything he set out to do in life. He attending Sagle Elementary and, after graduating from Sandpoint High School in 1986, he entered and graduated from NIC's automotive mechanics program. Though he never worked in the field, his skills were not wasted. Edward's first passion and first project was his 1968 Nova. With the help and painting skills of his Uncle John Bauer, he turned a "real piece of work" into a "real piece of art." He and his brother Jack enjoyed working together on their Chevys. Because of the nature of his condition (epilepsy), Edward was never able to play competitive sports in school, though he longed to play. After he was out of school, he returned to compete in the "Annual Alumni Football" games. He was able to do this for several years in his early to mid 20s ... one of his dreams fulfilled. In 1991, Edward began what would become a lifelong passion for dancing - first with country western line dancing, swing, and two step. He started teaching lessons and even competed in the Northwest and Canada bringing home medals and ribbons. At the turn of the century, he started leaning ballroom dance and has been involved with USA Dance in Sandpoint for many years. Through Edward's love of old cars, he became involved with and volunteered for the "Lost in the 50's." This involvement has lasted over 20 years with him working in security, set up, and/or whatever needed to be done. This, as in nearly everything he was involved in, was something he really enjoyed and loved. In 2002, when his dad retired, Edward and his Dad decided to use their "spare time" to work side by side to build Ed his own home. This was Edward's pride and joy and, even though the project has gone on for 10 years, it was paid for. Walt commented to Ed recently that "If you weren't an epileptic and I wasn't an old man, we would have had this house finished five years ago." They had a good laugh. To say that Edward was involved in the activities at his church would be a terrific understatement. The reason that he always had a positive attitude, carrying on no matter what he faced, resided in his uncompromising faith in God. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph's Parish helping with everything from altar serving to being a reader to helping with youth groups. He was a member of and very involved with the charitable works of the Knights of Columbus. He was always there and always involved out of his love for God, his savior Jesus Christ, his church and just his love for people. Edward is survived by his parents, Walter and Patricia Bauer of Sagle; one brother: Jack (Kimberly) Bauer of Rathdrum, ID; one sister: Christine (Bill) Parsley of Sagle; 12 nieces and nephews: Chaleigh (Peter) McCann of Post Falls, ID; Samuel, Noah, Anna, Katherine, Jesse and Elijah Bauer, all of Rathdrum, ID; Daniel, Meghan, Elizabeth, and Joseph Parsley all of Sagle, ID; two great-nieces: Haley and Naomi; dozens of Aunts and Uncles; dozens and dozens of cousins; and countless friends. Everyone who took the time to get to know Edward couldn't help but be changed for the better. He was incredibly loyal and devoted to his family and friends and staying in contact with everyone. To him there truly were no strangers, there were only friends that he hadn't gotten to know yet. He loved everyone he knew and the world will be just a little lonlier without him. Until we meet again ... Memorials may be made to the Knights of Columbus Scholarship Endowment Fund at St. Joseph's Church or a charity of your choice in memory of Edward.