Nathan John Bauer, age 26 of Menomonie, died Monday, March 23, 2015 as a result of an automobile accident.
Nathan was born on December 4, 1988 in Eau Claire. He was the son of Randy “Putter” and Tricia (Weber) Bauer. Nathan grew up in the Menomonie area and graduated from Menomonie High School in 2007, where he excelled at football and track and field. After high school, Nathan attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth and graduated in December of 2012 with degrees in Physical and Health Education. While at Duluth, Nathan was a proud member of the 2008 and 2010 NCAA Division II National Championship Football teams. In August of 2014, Nathan joined the staff of the Menomonie School District as Downsville and Knapp’s Elementary Phy-Ed Teacher and the District’s Adaptive Phy-Ed teacher. He also was a coach for the Menomonie football and track teams.
In Nathan’s spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family and friends.
Nathan is survived by his parents; Putter and Tricia of Menomonie, his brothers and best friends; Blake and Cale, both of Menomonie, paternal grandfather; Giles “Putter” Bauer of Durand, aunts and uncles; Ronald “Joe” Bauer of Boyceville, Vicki Price, Dennis (Diane Fox) Weber, Jay Weber, Dale (Wendy Clausen) Weber, all of Menomonie, Dan (Nancy) Weber of Trego and Julie (Ed) Harmon of Arkansaw, many cousins, other relatives, friends and students. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents; Eugene and Susie Weber, paternal grandmothers; Myrna Sosnoski and Beatrice Bauer, one aunt; Cheryl Weber and one uncle; Rodney Price.
Funeral Mass will be 11:00 AM Monday, March 30, 2015 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Menomonie. Rev. John Mano will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2-8PM Sunday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Menomonie and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Nathan’s name to the Menomonie High School Sports Complex via the Community Foundation of Dunn County.
Nathan’s contagious spirit will live on.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Menomonie, is serving the family.
Condolences
Al Agee
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of Nathan. During the time I have worked with you, Putter, your pride and love for your son has been so very evident. He certainly made a mark on his family, friends, team mates and the entire community. I will keep you in my heart during this time of sorrow. - ata
Deb Brooner
I am very sorry for your loss. Your family and Nate's friends have been in my thoughts and my prayers. May you all feel the needed presence of our Heavenly Father as the days turn to weeks/months.
Deb Wendling
I send my deepest sympathy to your family. I enjoyed Nate as my student teacher at Denfeld HS in health education. He had a great sense of humor and worked well with the students. He made a positive difference in many student's lives. May his spirit and memory live on.
Lisa and Timm Dupuis
Bauer Family,
We can not even begin to find the right words to tell you how sad we feel for your loss, but we want you all to know that our thoughts are with you and thank you for giving us Nathan for this short time. He was a great young man who we will never forget. He has given us many great memories and we'll never forget that smile! God be you.
paula saunier
Love you..RIP.. Aunt Pud
Mike and Lynn Fekete
Dear Tricia and Putter....
We cannot even begin to find the words to help ease your pain and sorrow. We will always remember Nathan with smiles and happy memories of traveling with the boys to many basketball tournaments. We are so grateful for those days because we were able to make new and wonderful friends with the Bauer family. In addition to lots of prayer we are here for you for whatever you may need. Love you, Mike and Lynn
Mark and Lori (Wayne) Radke
May God, who sees your grieving heart and hears each tender prayer, be ever near to give you peace.
Trevor Wenig
I would like to thank Coach Bauer for inspiring me to do my best in track (long jump) My only year in track I went to state, a lifetime memory for me and I will remember Coach for the rest of my life. Could not have done it without him. I'll always remember to have "eyes up, look to the sky" It now has two meanings. God's Speed Coach - Trevor Wenig
Renee
I am so sorry you are grieving the loss of Nathan. I hope you can find comfort in the resurrection hope that that Jesus promised at John 5:28. Please visit jw.org for more Bible based encouragement. Sincerely, Renee
Bubba Harty (ETEX Telephone)
Putter,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Dan, Kerri, Lindsey, and Brandon Wood
Our sincere condolences to your family. We feel blessed to have known Nate as a team member, friend, and teacher. We hope you find peace and comfort in memories of Nate and his many accomplishments.
Luanne weissinger (brantner)
Randy so sorry to hear about your son..we are out of town so won't make the funeral..peace be with the whole family....prayers to all.
Don Hinkley
Putter,
My heart goes out to you and your family at your loss. Prayers and condolences for peace in your heart. May God Bless you and your family with love and understanding.
Don
BJ Bures (LaWard Telephone)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cory & Lisa Andraschko
"When we are born the world rejoices and we cry. When we die we rejoice and the world cries."
You are in our prayers.
Nathan's legacy will remain in the hearts of everyone he encountered. Know he is rejoicing in the beauty of God's Glory!
Dick & Jan Bates
Family of Nathan Bauer:
So sorry to hear of your loss. The Good Lord will be caring for Nathan in heaven. We will remember Nathan in our prayers.
Dick & Jan Bates
Priscilla Fairbanks
Condolences to Nate's family, friends, former professors, co-workers and students. He was a pleasure to have in class at UMD. He was a serious student and excellent athlete. He will be sorely missed.
Amy, Wilson, Josh, and Jeremy Lane
We are so sorry for your loss. There are no words that can express so many emotions. Please know that we are thinking of you and praying for all of you. Amy, Wilson, Josh and Jeremy Lane
Gena Stamper
I never had the honor of meeting Nate in person, but I wish I could have. Nate was my daughter's adaptive PE teacher at Wakanda Elementary in Menomonie. My daughter is on the Autism spectrum and has always had great difficulty with sports, but Nate helped my daughter improve her motor skills as well as build confidence in herself through the sport of basketball. He will always be remembered for the difference he made in Liz's life. She now loves basketball and has more confidence in herself as a person thanks to Nate. I would like Nate's family to know that he made a difference and he will be missed. As you grieve know that we are remembering you and honoring the memory of Nate Bauer.
Kevin Knaus
It is too soon for words to help
For only time can heal this
Right now the wound is 10 feet deep
More shock than you can feel this,
Its like all color went away
All sound removed, just hollow,
And lost alone inside your heart
You dwell where none can follow
And so, instead, you simply pause,
The pain not yet subsiding
But like every challenge met
By Nate, in life abiding.
You will meet this challenge too
There’s nothing else for you to do.
God gives us grief to see us through.
This shining star in heaven, new…
Nancy Neumann
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and our prayers are with your family. He was so young. Our son Justin attended U of M Duluth. God bless you and keep you strong.
Ted & Nancy Neumann
Cindy (Nelson) Valley
Tricia and Family-I am so very sorry for your loss! My thoughts are with you. May the lasting memories help you through this most difficult time.
doris
God bless the Bauer/weber family
Sue (Wall) Fredericks
To the entire Bauer family - so very sorry to hear of your loss.
My sincere condolences.
Linda Berg
My deepest sympathies to you. Know he is with God.
Patty (Martinson) Fassino
I didn't know Nathan. But I saw the very moving story about him on the news. What a special young man. I just wanted you to know how sorry I am that you are going through this, and that I am thinking of you. My heartfelt sympathy to your entire family.
Patti Blount
Sorry to hear about the sudden passing of Nathan. He was very inspiring. Sympathy to the family during this time.
Bob Lichty
I will always remember Nate for his senior season at MHS. After a season ending injury early in the year he came to every practice as soon as he was able. He mentored and coached up the player who took his place and was a constant source of encouragement and inspiration to the rest of the team and coaches. After the season I told him that before the injury I knew he was a good player, but after it I knew he was a better man. May God bring him to his side and send His Holy Spirit to comfort his parents and brothers. Coach Lichty
Lorrie Gamble
Im sorry for your loss. you may not know me but you're in my prayers. I couldn't imagine what you are going through.
Angie and Jeff Bien
We are so sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marlene Backhaus
I didn't personally know Nate, but he was a classmate of my daughter, Tashiana (Tasha). She talked about him occasionally and always said what a great guy he was. He always talked to everyone and respected everyone. We are very sad for you to lose such a wonderful person. It is way too young to be gone. So, so sorry for your loss and for the loss to all who knew him and loved him.
Julie Stratton
Tricia,Putter, Blake and Cale - Words cannot express my heartache for your family. May you gain strength from your families and friends to help you through this difficult time. Nate touched the lives of so many and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Hugs and prayers to all of you!
Julie, Dennis and Kyle Stratton
dianne cutting
prayers to all for your loss.
Bruce Nelson
Thank you Nate for being a great coach and mentor for my daughter Allison last year during her track season at Oshkosh West. Thoughts and prayers to your entire family.
Sue Mittlestadt
Our deepest condolence to the bauer family. Our prayers are with you.
SueAnn Hurlburt
Our deepest sympathy on losing your son. Thinking of you all at this difficult time...so sorry
Susan Wolf
So very saddened by your loss, you are all in my thoughts & prayers at this very difficult time. Love to all-
David Fenner
We will miss him
Sally Breneman
We are so sorry for your loss Bauer family. Please know you are in our prayers.
Charles and Nicole Cropp
We've only heard wonderful things about the life Nathan lead. Many prayers to his family and friends during this time of grieving and loss. God bless him as he joins the Angels in heaven.
Angie Smith
I had the honor of meeting Nate this past year as he was the adaptive gym teacher for the special ed students I work with at a local elementary school here in town. He was such a sincere person and always had a smile on his face while working the the students. Such a great person who will truly be missed! RIP peace Nate.My thought and prayers are with his family in this tragic time!
Sue Halama and family
Nathan will be missed here at the high school. He touched so many in this short time in the district, however his positive demeanor will live on. Our prayers to all of you to help give some comfort at this difficult time.
Mark and Lisa Stenseth
Dear Putter, Trisha, Blake and Cale,
Sending our deepest and most sincere condolences to all of you in the Bauer family during this difficult time. Nathan was such a special young man that touched so many lives and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during the days ahead and we pray that you find peace with all of the memories that Nathan was so much a part of.
Love to you all,
Mark & Lisa
Don Mabb
My heart felt condolences go out to you and your family.
Nancy Wilcox Horner
Nate will be missed by all who knew him. Heartfelt condolences from the Middle School.
Rosemary E Carlisle
My sincerest sympathy on the loss of your beloved
Nathan. You and your family are in my prayers during this most difficult time.
Dan and Linda Chase
Our hearts are broken for the loss of your dear son and brother. We will hold your family close in our thoughts and many prayers in hopes that they bring you some comfort and peace!
Pete and Ellen Adler
Please give the family our sincere sympathy and well .contact them when we are home
Doug Hamilton
Coach Bauer taught me a lot if life lessons like to never give up and fight threw tough scrap in life he was a role model to me sorry for your loss he was a great man
Latacia Greeley
Sending you all love and strength as you carry Nathan in your hearts during this terrible time. He was...simply hilarious and a bright spirit. Praying for your all-
Brad and Noelle Schmidtknecht
Putter and famliy:
There are no words to describe your loss. Our deepest sympathy to you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rene Brahmstadt
Thinking of you and sending our love and prayers. Robert, Rene, Kelsey, Ryan, Nicole and Adam Brahmstadt
Friends at TAS
These words cannot express the pain and sorrow we feel for the Bauer family. We hope our thoughts and prayers will help to strengthen and uplift you during this time.
Carrie Bores
Dear Bauer Family,
I had the pleasure to work with Nate a little bit throughout the 2013-2014 school year. Nate did some subsitute teaching at Oshkosh West High School and also assisted coaching the track team. He touched many kids lives in such a kind, yet powerful way. I didn't know Nate that well, but I do know that he made an impact on many young lives here at Oshkosh West. Cherish and keep those memories close to your heart.
Carrie Bores
Oshkosh West High School
Kim Roberts
Nathan had become a wonderful addition to our school district family. Just seeing him in the halls picking up his students for adaptive PE was enough to know what a compassionate and caring young man he was. He and I talked in passing many times and he was always smiling and upbeat. I image he was quite the character like his brothers. You have my deepest sympathy and know that we are all praying for your strength in the days ahead. I hope you that you can find joy in all your wonderful memories of Nathan!
Amy Nelson
Nathan was my childrens gym teacher this past year, they had nothing but good things to say about him. I still remember Tyler, my oldest, coming home and saying "guess what? Can you believe Mr. Bauer is a BEARS fan??!!"
Trust that the Nelson family is thinking of Mr. Bauer and his family during this hard time.
Sara Holcomb & Family
Mr. Bauer was an idol to so many little people. You have our deepest sympathy.
Jamie Lawrence-Olson
So sorry for your loss.
Bob Thompson
Dear Randy, Trish, and family~
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Nathan was courteous, passionate, and full of respect. I enjoyed seeing him grow to a fine young man, and shared time with him during many of my substitute opportunities this school-year. We hope you find comfort in all the good in Nathan during your time of mourning.
Bob Thompson
Ben Thompson--Classmate
Wendy Schofield
I am so very sorry for all of you at this very sad time. Why these things happen we do not know. Praying for you to find peace and comfort...
Doreen (Pease)Trainor
Putter and Trisha, I am so sorry to hear of this tragedy. Sending prayers of healing in this time of need, God Bless!
doris terrana
I did not know Nathan on a personal level however he was my grandchildrens teacher. May the lord above guide nathan's family and friend as u all gather together and may the good lord comfort your hearts god bless.
Robert Dodge
It is with great sadness I write this message. Nathan was an upstanding young man with a wonderful future ahead of him. No matter where he was, if he would see me, he would stop and take the time to greet me with a hand shake and a smile. I will always remember Nathan as a kind and giving individual. Rest in peace young man.
Bob and Mary Dodge
Putter & Trish,
Was so shocked when we heard about Nathan. Are hearts go out to you and your family at this sorrowful time. We will keep you all in our hearts and prayers in the days to come. Nathan will be missed so very much.
Raisa
Although I did not know Nathan, I am so very sorry for your loss. Twenty-six isn't enough years and I know nothing makes sense right now. I just lost the love of my life one month ago in February due to a snowmobile accident. My thoughts, prayers and love is with your family. Hold onto the wonderful memories and remember that every day without him is one day closer to seeing him in heaven. Live life in his memory and continue to always smile and laugh because our loved ones would want us to. ♡
Becky Terrana Waller
My condolences go out to the family and friends of this wonderful young man. And to the young students who will miss him so very much. I'm so very sorry for you lost. May God watch over you as you heal.
Angela Neubauer
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Bauer family and all of Nathans many friends. I really only knew him from High school but from what I did know he was a very talented, funny, caring guy. The lives he touched will carry cherished memories forever. May he rest in peace.
Elisabeth Rice
I remember Nathan very well... He was a great guy and while i was picked on a lot he never did. He was always nice to me when we talked and made me feel ok about going back to school after bad days. He was a man with a great spirit and now he is with another great man and spirit. Take care of him lord and watch over us Nathan for you will be missed dearly. R.I.P.
Karly (Lewis) Mucks
Bauer Family -
You are in our thoughts in prayers as we remember someone so young who touched so many lives and created so many great memories. He walked in the room and you knew you were going to smile because of his positive energy and fun loving attitude. He will be truly missed. Heaven won't be the same with he and Jill Bean creating a constant ruckus! We are all here for you - please don't hesitate to let us know what we can do for you during this difficult time.
Love,
Karly (Lewis) Mucks
Bauer Family -
You are in our thoughts in prayers as we remember someone so young who touched so many lives and created so many great memories. He walked in the room and you knew you were going to smile because of his positive energy and fun loving attitude. He will be truly missed. Heaven won't be the same with he and Jill Bean creating a constant ruckus! We are all here for you - please don't hesitate to let us know what we can do for you during this difficult time.
Love,
Calsey Smith
He was one of the best guys I've ever known inside and out. He was nice to everyone.. Didn't matter where they came from, their age, their past.. He was genuinely friendly with everyone.
So blessed to have been a friend of his!
My thoughts and prayers to the Bauer and Weber family! He was a wonderful person and will always hold a place in the community's hearts!!
Rest easy #22
We love you.
Phil & Gail Fieber
Our sincere condolences to all of you. Nate was a very special student and an excellent teacher. May you find comfort in knowing how many people are praying for you.
The Beaupre Family
Putter, Trish, Blake and Cale,
We are all so saddened and devastated to hear the news. The Lord has blessed this town through the Bauer family many times over. Nathan was a great young man in whom we are all so very proud to say we knew. Please let us know if there is anything the Beaupre family can do to help your family through this. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Mike, Cindy, Jessica, Michael, Katie and Melissa.
Tom & Jacque Evenson
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Nate was always kind, respectful and humorous. May special memories of him somehow comfort you in the days ahead.
