Bauer, Geraldine F.
December 7, 1921 - December 31, 2017

Geraldine F. Bauer (née Fahrenkopf), known by her friends as "Gerry," passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on December 31 after a brief illness. A lifelong resident of the Detroit area, Mrs. Bauer had lived in Dearborn since 1958 and treasured her enduring relationships with a wide circle of friends and family members across the metropolitan area and around the world. She had resided at the Henry Ford Village in Dearborn for the past 10 years.

Geraldine was born at home in her family's Belmont Street house, across from the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, during the years when her father worked in Henry Ford's Highland Park Plant. She attended Catholic schools and was working as a legal secretary when in 1943 she met Fred, the love of her life, at an Arthur Murray dance class in downtown Detroit.

Frederick Bauer, a great-grandson of Stroh Brewery founder Bernhard Stroh, was then a young engineer with The Detroit Edison Company and went on to have a distinguished career at the Ford Motor Company. The couple's first date was at the band shell on Belle Isle. Gerry and Fred were married at the Michigan League in Ann Arbor in 1948, and remained inseparable for 63 years until Fred's death in 2011.

Geraldine was a graduate of the University of Michigan and worked for several years as an elementary school teacher. Her husband and family were the focus of her life. For intellectual stimulation and the enjoyment of social interactions, Gerry also maintained part-time employment with McCall's Magazine, the National Cotton Council, Welcome Wagon, and Kelly, Inc. Gerry co-managed the family Christmas tree farm business.

Mrs. Bauer traveled extensively with Fred. Whether it was Germany, Switzerland, or Russia, Fred could rely on Gerry to forge relationships and talk to anyone about anything. She was a devoted Catholic and an active member of the Sacred Heart Parish in Dearborn, where she served as a Girl Scout leader and a member of the Tabernacle Society and St. Anne's Circle. Gerry also was active in the Apostleship of the Sea ministry on Detroit's riverfront, and was a longtime member of the American Association of University Women, the Garden Club of Dearborn, several bridge groups and a sewing circle. Gerry and Fred enjoyed time together with family and friends at their cottage in Caseville, Michigan.

She is survived by her brothers, James Fahrenkopf (Evelyn) and George Edward Fahrenkopf; her cousin Margaret Fitzsimmons; her children, Michael Bauer (Pat C. and the late Yvonne Kokke Bauer), Patricia Bauer (Edward Muller) and Kathleen Bauer Franklin (Joseph Franklin); grandchildren, Erica Bauer Nevas (Joshua Nevas) and Elizabeth Bauer Royalty (Joshua Royalty), John and Margaret Muller, Michael Franklin and Joseph Franklin Jr. (Lisa Tomko); and great grandchildren Alexander Royalty and Elise Nevas. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Margaret (O'Farrell) Fahrenkopf; and sisters Mary Frances Runstadler, Lt. Col. Bernadette Calnon, USAF, and Rita Plant. Two other brothers died in early childhood. She is also predeceased by her grandson, James Patrick Franklin.

Gerry will be remembered for her wit, intellect, kindness, and grace by everyone whose life she touched.

The family would like to thank her team from Bridgeway Care Management and Home Care for their special care.

Visitation will be held from 4 until 7 pm on Friday, February 2, at the Howe Peterson Funeral Home at 22546   Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, 48124. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday , Feb. 3, at the Chapel at Henry Ford Village, 15101 Ford Road, Dearborn, 48126 , with luncheon to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, 1820 Mount Elliott Street, Detroit, MI 48207.