Frederick "Fred" John Bauer

Fred Bauer passed away May 16, 2024, following a warrior’s battle with pancreatic cancer. He had a “never give up” mentality, and his valiant fight touched many.

Fred was born to Agnes (Lechman) Bauer and Fred Bauer in Ovid, CO. He was the oldest of seven, and dearly loved each of his siblings.

Fred spent part of his early childhood in California, and the rest on a family farm in Colorado.  He graduated from Erie High School where he excelled in sports and enjoyed playing on teams with his brothers and cousins.  From there he joined the Marine Corps where he earned recognition as a sharpshooter and learned to repair Phantom jets.  Just before being deployed to Vietnam, Fred was called back to Colorado to assist with the family farm as the eldest brother upon learning of his father’s grave illness.

He often mentioned his return to Colorado was one of his greatest blessings as it resulted in the marriage to the love of his life, Sherri (Hopp) Bauer.  They would have celebrated 55 years of marriage this June. During their courtship, Fred quickly became a dear friend of Sherri’s protective older brothers, one of whom later said to Sherri: “You sure got a good one.”

Fred went on to graduate from the Colorado School of Banking and thus began his career as a well-known and respected banker in the Northern Colorado community. Over the years he worked for many locally owned banks, eventually assisting with the opening of Farmer’s Bank located in Ault, CO and expanding to Fort Collins.  He served as President of Farmer’s Bank until retirement and remained on the Board of Directors until his passing.

In addition, he served on the Board of Directors for Independent Bankers of Colorado from 2003-2009, acting as chairman from 2008-2009.  He was passionate in his support of small-town banks of Colorado and often traveled to Washington D.C. to lobby for better legal protection for locally owned banks.

Community service was also an integral part of Fred’s life, and he believed strongly in giving back and supporting his community. He was a member of Kiwanis of the Rockies, served as church President and Vice President of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church of Greeley, and served as a committeeman on the Greeley Stampede Committee for seven years. He was the chairman for the Stampede in 1990, and fully enjoyed volunteering as an “Old Bucker” in the following years. Fred was also a strong supporter of United Way of Weld County, and he and his wife Sherri served as United Way co-chairs in 2005. 

Anyone who knew Fred saw a kind, loving and steadfast gentleman and friend who truly loved The Lord. His motto was “Faith, Family, Country”.  Not only was he a good friend to others, but also a wonderful family man.  He had great pride in his loving marriage to Sherri, their two daughters and two sons-in-law, their four grandchildren, as well as both his and Sherri’s extended family and many treasured close friends.  He led his family to share in his quiet but profound faith, his deep respect for our nation, and appreciation for those who have fought and currently fight for our freedom. 

Fred enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life, which he most loved to share with his family and friends.  He was a skilled horseman, avid golfer, and also enjoyed fishing, hunting and team-roping. Travel was perhaps his favorite pastime, especially when enjoyed with those he loved, where many wonderful memories were made.

There are few true gentlemen like Fred, and he will be sorely missed.

Fred is survived by his wife Sherri (Hopp) Bauer of Eaton, His daughters Katie Westphal (Brandon), Sarah Baessler (Jamie) of Eaton, CO, and four grandchildren: Avery Westphal of Greeley, CO and Emery, Isabella, and Elianna Baessler, all of Eaton, CO.

Funeral arrangements are Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 11:00am at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Greeley, CO.   

A private interment will take place at the Eaton Cemetery.