Ray B. Bauer

Ray B. Bauer, 78, of Spalding, NE, died Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha, NE.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 6, 2025, at St. Michael's Church in Spalding, NE with Fr. Lawrence Vadakkan officiating. Interment will follow at St. Michael's Cemetery, Spalding, NE with military rites conducted by the American Legion Post #299 of Spalding, NE, Army Funeral Honor Guard, and the American Legion Riders. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday at the church with a 7:00 p.m. wake service.

Levander Funeral Home of Spalding, NE is in charge of arrangements.

Raymond "Ray" Bernard Bauer, son of Bernard "Bob" and Rita (Glaser) Bauer, was born on January 17, 1947, in Spalding, NE. He later moved with his family to Greeley, where he attended country school through the 8th grade before continuing his education at Greeley Sacred Heart, graduating with the class of 1965. Ray then spent two years in Catholic seminary at St. Thomas Seminary in Denver, Colorado.

Ray served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He completed his service with honor and was discharged in 1970. Ray spent his next years working as a farm hand around Greeley and Spalding.

On June 8, 1985, Ray was united in marriage to Sharon Valasek at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spalding. Together, they made their home on a new family farm south of Spalding. From this loving union, Ray was blessed with four children who remained the pride of his life.

A devoted member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, Ray served as a lector and generously shared his time and talents with numerous organizations. He was active in the American Legion, VFW, Knights of Columbus, St. Michael's Men's Club, the Co-Op Board, and the Spalding Academy School Board. In 2009, he was awarded the Honorary Alumni Award from Spalding Academy. He spent his life in unwavering dedication to faith, service, and community.

Ray found joy in simple and meaningful moments. He loved working the land, skiing in Colorado, playing PC solitaire, reading the paper, gifting flowers to brighten someone's day, and doing puzzles. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and family gatherings during the holidays.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of 40 years: Sharon Bauer of Spalding, NE; his four children: Paul (Nicole) Bauer of Lincoln, NE; Michelle (Jonathan) Bauer of Omaha, NE; Susan (David) Mendoza of Lincoln, NE; and Danny (Vicky) Bauer of Spalding, NE; and seven grandchildren: Luciana, Emilia, Grace, Benjamin, Claire, Charlotte, and Simon; three sisters: Kay (Al) Warzecha of Cambridge, MN; Mary (Mike) Zacher of Idaho Falls, ID; and Jeanette Delzer of Ord, NE; five brothers: Louie (Mary) Bauer of Greeley, NE; Mark (Janet) Bauer of Spalding, NE; Chuck Bauer of Wood River, NE; Jake (Deanna) Bauer of St. Paul, NE; and Mike (Vicki) Bauer of Treynor, IA; two sisters-in-law: Patty Bauer of O'Neill, NE, and Joan Bauer of Spalding, NE; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Joe Bauer and Dave Bauer; and his beloved uncle: Fr. Jake Bauer.