A.J. Bauer

A.J. Bauer, 83 of Thermopolis, passed away July 22, 2021, after a period of declining health at the Thermopolis Rehabilitation and Wellness Center.

 He was born November 2, 1937, the oldest child of Welby and Monica (Meick) Bauer. He graduated from Thermopolis High School where he met his wife, Bonnie Lou Shafer. They enjoyed 63 years of marriage and in that union had two children, Debra and Joe.

A.J. was a cowboy at heart which guided the foundation for his family. He lived by the example of hard work, honesty, simplicity and the cowboy way. He always had a love of horses and shared that love with his son as they shared the love of rodeo. He owned 14 acres in Casper where he built a roping arena, had weekly ropings and also boarded horses, which fulfilled his passion of being a cowboy. 

He worked for Clear Creek Cattle Company (Lost Cabin, Wyo.) from an early age until 1963. He then began his career of 44 years with Hot Springs REA/ High Plains Power. A.J. first started out as an apprentice Lineman in Casper, Wyo., working in the Alcova, Shirley Basin, Medicine Bow & Jeffery City areas. He worked his way up and became the Operations Manager. In 1989 when Riverton Valley & Hot Springs County REA consolidated to form High Plains Power, he was able to move back to Thermopolis where he retired in 2008.

He was a huge fan of the PBR and enjoyed an annual trip to attend the finals held in Las Vegas. He enjoyed fishing, 4-wheeling, camping and spending time with family and friends. He also had a great impact on his three grandchildren who all got to enjoy the great outdoors with him.

He served on the Hot Springs County Museum Board holding the office of Chairman. He was also a member of Hot Springs Pioneer Association and Hot Springs Historical Society.

A.J. is survived by his spouse, Bonnie Lou of Thermopolis; children, Debra of Thermopolis and Joe (Laurie) of Cody;  grandchildren, Tyler (Brittany) Bauer of Billings, Mont., Chancey Bauer of Cheyenne and Shaynie Bauer of Tempe Ariz .; brother, Don of Thermopolis; several nieces and nephews; and extended family, Tiffany Root Bayleigh and Lucas of Casper.

A.J. was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gary; and brother-in-law, J.M. Shafer.

A celebration of life will be held August 28 at 11 a.m. at the Community Hall behind the Community Church, 244 N 6th St. in Thermopolis.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hot Springs County Pioneer Association, PO Box 11, Thermopolis, WY  82443 or to donor's choice.

Mortimore Funeral Home is assisting the family.  Messages may be offered at http://www.mortfh.com.