Edmund F. Bauer

Edmund F. Bauer was the third of six children born to Edmund H. and Frances E. (Miller) Bauer on September 20, 1943 in Gibsonburg.  At a young age Eddie suffered third degree burns on his legs, stomach, and arms.  Many children in Gibsonburg had been brought by their parents to talk with him after they were caught playing with fire.  He made a positive impact by talking about his painful mishap.  As the oldest son in the family, Eddie worked for several local farmers while in his teen years.  He attended Gibsonburg High School where he was on the football team and graduated in 1962.  He married Judith Baker on September 26, 1964.  Together they had four daughters.

Eddie began working for Chrysler Corporation in 1966.  He was an electrician by trade, but also served as the UAW Health and Safety Representative for 20 years.  Eddie retired from Chrysler in 2001.  After retirement Eddie worked as Groundskeeper for Gibsonburg Exempted Village Schools for 17 years.

He always took an active role in the Gibsonburg community.  He coached boys’ Little League baseball for several years in the early 1970’s.  He volunteered to line the Gibsonburg High School football field for the Athletic Boosters, transported team equipment to away games, and even made last minute electrical repairs to the score board.  Eddie served on the Gibsonburg Exempted Village School Board for 5 years.  He was Grand Marshal of the 2002 Gibsonburg Homecoming.

Eddie dedicated his entire adult life to fire fighting.  He volunteered his time and skills to benefit his community on both the local and regional levels.  Eddie was well-known and respected for his commitment to fire prevention, fire safety, and fighting fires.  

Eddie joined the Gibsonburg Volunteer Fire Department on January 6, 1964.  During his 57 years of membership, Chief Bauer served in nearly every elected position (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Trustee, Director of Hall, Capital Account, Captain and Chief) and chaired countless ad-hoc committees.  He also actively participated in every fundraiser and event/detail/function.  Chief Bauer held multiple regional offices including:  President of the Sandusky County Firemen’s Association, Northwestern Ohio Volunteer Firemen’s Association Fire School Committee and the Arson Seminar Committee, NOVFA President and the NOVFA Board of Directors to name a few positions.  Chief Bauer has been recognized in many ways including:  Sandusky County Disaster Services Agency Commendation, NOVFA Meritorious Service Award, Mayor and Council of Gibsonburg Ohio Commendation, VFW Post 2974 Firefighter Award, Fremont Exchange Club Sandusky County Firefighter of the Year, Madison Twp. Gibsonburg Volunteer Fire Dept. Firefighter of the Year, Ohio House of Representatives Commendation, and the Ohio Senate Exemplary Service Recognition.

More recently Eddie enjoyed attending Cleveland Indians baseball games, Ohio State football games, gardening and spending time with his nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  He was a dedicated husband of 57 years, father for 56 years, and firefighter.

Eddie is survived by his loving wife Judith M. (Baker) Bauer of Gibsonburg; daughters Jeanette (Craig)Diekman of Mooresville, NC; Jamie (Michael) Becker of Toledo, OH; Jill (Blaise) Bauer-Morrison of Hillsborough, NC; son-in-law James Heinze of Gibsonburg, OH; grandchildren Anna (Justin) Witte, Andrew and Mark Heinze, Clara and Scotty Diekman, Erik, Camille-Rassmus and Luke Morelock, Gibson Bauer- Morrison; Great-grandchildren Quay and Cooper Witte; step-grandchildren: Macey, Corey and James Becker; siblings Sharon Kelley of Rossford, OH and Jon Bauer of Helena, OH. He was preceded in death by his daughter Jodi Heinze and sisters Betty Hiser, Jackie Hughes and Sue Witte. 

Visitation will take place at Herman- Veh Funeral Home, 319 W. Madison Street, Gibsonburg, OH  on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 from 2-8P.M. and Wednesday November 10, 2021 from 2-8 P.M. with Firefighter services at 7:00P.M.

Funeral services will begin at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at Ole Zim’s Wagon Shed, 1375 State Route 590 Gibsonburg. Pastor Max Ulrich will officiate. Burial will follow at West Union Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gibsonburg Volunteer Fire Department. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hermanfh.com