Frances “Fran” C. Bauer

Frances “Fran” Bauer passed on peacefully into the arms of her Heavenly Father on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at the remarkable age of 97. A long-time resident of Oshkosh, her story humbly began in rural Pine Bluff, AR and was deeply marked by the untimely passing of her mother, Frankie, at the tender age of 19 while Fran was still in infancy. This early hardship formed Fran’s resilient, practical and hardworking nature. A high school graduate and telephone operator in Little Rock by 16 years old, Fran enjoyed nights out dancing the jitterbug with friends, when time afforded. It was a time when the local Army Air Corp base was buzzing with WWII service men and one in particular, Clarence Bauer of Oshkosh, would steal her heart. Several dates and long-distance letters later, Fran and Clarence were married in Little Rock on September 2, 1947, and afterwards moved to Oshkosh.

Fran and Clarence raised three children on 12th Ave in a home Fran took great pride in and that would later welcome generations of family during times of celebration, summer badminton games, and baked ham dinners. A voracious reader and crossword enthusiast, Fran loved puzzles and was known to gently yet persuasively insist games were played at all gatherings, over coffee and dessert, naturally.

Outside of the home, Fran worked at Hrnak’s Flowers and later at Miles Kimball, well into her 70’s. But true to her coffee mug, she would rather have been golfing. A member of local women’s golf leagues, she shared her passion for golf with Clarence. They traveled to courses across the state and down the coast to Florida. In retirement they had a seasonal home in Florida after many years of hard work, where they enjoyed golfing with friends.

Profoundly devout, Fran also dedicated much of her time to St Vincent Church (later St Jude the Apostle) as a parishioner, choir member, office volunteer and long-time member of the ladies craft group. If Fran didn’t have a book in her hand, likely there was a crochet hook or knitting needles—and there is proof of that all across the city of Oshkosh from the many pieces she donated and sold at church fundraisers.

Fran lived a measured life, but her love for family and friends knew no bounds. She will be missed dearly by her son Greg Bauer of Seattle, WA; daughters Nancy (Jim) Ottman and Lisa (Dave) McKinney; grandchildren Rebecca Ottman (Steven Hawkins), Carrie (Brett) Bernier and Marissa Bauer of Seattle, WA; great-grandchildren Emily, Madeline, Esme and Rye; surviving sister Agnes McCuin of Little Rock, AR; and a wide circle of close extended relatives. Fran was preceded in death by her adoring husband Clarence Bauer; brothers Dr. Dewey Allen Jr and Harold Allen; and parents Dewey and Frankie (Autry) Allen.

The family would like to thank the staff of Aspire Senior Living in Oshkosh and the AseraCare hospice team, especially Tammy, for their care and compassion during Fran’s last days.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at St. Jude Parish, St. Vincent site, 1225 Oregon St, Oshkosh. Visitation will take place on Saturday morning at church from 10:00 am until the time of service. She will be laid to rest at Sacred Heart Cemetery.