Loren Bauer

Loren P. Bauer, a lifelong resident and farmer in Hastings, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday morning, November 1, 2023, at the age of 89.

Loren Peter, the son of Frank and Cathryn (Greten) Bauer, was born on June 22, 1934, in Hastings, and lived at the family farm until his health began to fail at the end of December 2022. Following his graduation from Hastings High School with the class of 1953, Loren was united in marriage to Rita Feidt on September 10, 1960, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in New Trier. Loren was a longtime farmer along with his brother Willard, and later his son Paul who now is running the operation. Today, the sixth generation now resides at the homestead. For his dedication to farming, Loren was awarded the Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year Award in 1966, and was proud to be classified as a Century Farm. Outside of farming, Loren was a successful insurance salesman who specialized in wind, hail, and fire coverage. He was an active member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Council 1600 in Hastings where he served as Grand Knight.

He was preceded by his wife, Rita; parents; and by many other extended family members.

Loren is survived by his children, Sharon (Allen) Schaffer, Paul (Jean) Bauer, and Donna (Ray) Karnick; eleven grandchildren, Jeffrey (Nicole) Schaffer, Jason (Jessica) Schaffer, Justin Schaffer, Amanda (fiancé, Kevin Burns) Bauer, Christina (Tyler) Schmidt, Laura Bauer, Jessica Bauer, Makayla Karnick, Haley Karnick, Sara Karnick, and Nicholas Karnick; nine great grandchildren, Triston, Brooke, Alexis, Owen, Mason, Taylor, Aiden, Raelynn, and Elouise; brother, Willard (Char) Bauer; sister, Mary Frandrup; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 6, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father Michael Tix officiating. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings, and from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. prior to mass at church on Monday.

Loren's family would like to extend a special thank you to Morning Glory Home Care and Regina Senior Living for their dedicated care.

Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.