In Loving Memory of Fr. William Edward Bauer

October 27, 1940 – July 14, 2026

Father William Edward Bauer, a devoted servant of God, dedicated public servant, and a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on July 14, 2026, at Golden Years Castle in Fernley, Nevada, at the age of 85.

Born on October 27, 1940, in Oceanside, California, to John Anthony Bauer and Veronica Cecilia (Smith) Bauer, Bill’s life was defined by his deep faith and commitment to helping others. His formative years were spent moving from San Diego to Sacramento and then to Grass Valley, post WWII. There, he served as an altar boy in the local Roman Catholic Church, giving him a spiritual foundation that would eventually guide his lifelong journey. As the eldest of three children, he shared a close bond with his late brother, John Bruce Bauer (1947-2001), and surviving sister, Jacquelin. He approached life with vitality, starting most notably with a paper route that he worked up and down the hills of Grassvalley later buying his own bicycle. He continued this active approach to life almost up until the very end.

At the age of 17, Bill answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Navy. Serving during the Vietnam era, he was stationed on the aircraft carrier USS Bennington. While working on the flight deck, he performed the high-stakes, essential duty of loading munitions onto the aircraft. He was honorably discharged after four years of faithful service. Bill continued his love of music while even aboard the Bennington, and later expanded on this in his civilian life with his favorite instrument being the saxophone. He loved trains, often taking cross-country trips with his family on Amtrak.

Bill’s professional life was as multi-faceted as his was. After working in radio for a time, he dedicated 23 years to the State of Nevada, serving as a vocational rehabilitation counselor—a role in which he also provided certified drug and alcohol abuse counseling—before rising to the position of Director of the Client Assistance Program in Nevada. His commitment to his community extended well beyond his professional roles: he served on the Lyon County school board for many years, including helping to name Cottonwood Elementary in Fernley. After retiring from the state in 2002, he remained a vibrant local voice in the persona of “Robert Alou” while acting as the director of the Wadsworth radio station 101.3 KRNG. He also shared his talents as a college instructor for TMCC.

Beyond professional achievements, Bill was a passionate musician who played in various bands. He had a deep love for music, and was often found enjoying his extensive collection of 45's and albums . During his free time, Bill’s academic and spiritual pursuits led him to earn a Doctorate in Theology combining with the spiritual leadership he showed, first as a traditional Episcopalian priest, then as an Anglican. Fr. Bill’s ministry was a lifelong walk of faith: his congregation switched to becoming a ROCOR Orthodox parish, remaining as this up until the time of his retirement necessitated by the onset of his dementia. A member of the Franciscan Order of the Divine Compassion, he spent his life seeking to emulate the humility and love of the saints. In a final, meaningful homecoming, he was received into the Roman Catholic Church two years ago.

Having lived in Fernley for over 43 years, Father William was a pillar of his community. He leaves behind a profound legacy within his large and loving family. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Amy (Sanderlin) Bauer, his twelve children – Mary, Damien, Annemarie, Shea, Carmen, Elisa, Lewis, Clara, Carlos, Isabel, Roxana, and Cierra; 36 cherished grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Bill will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, his intellectual curiosity, his love for music, and his profound devotion to his faith.

Service Information:

Funeral services will be held on August 6, 2026, at 10:00AM at Saint Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, located at 625 Desert Shadows Lane, Fernley, NV 89408.

Following the service, a graveside burial will take place at 11:30AM at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Father Bill’s family invites those who knew him to join them in honoring a life of service, sacrifice, and spiritual commitment.