Home »
Obituary of Werner “Joe” BAUER
Werner “Joe” BAUER
While surrounded by family, Werner Josef (Joe) Bauer passed away at Elk Valley Hospital on January 16, 2025. Joe was born in Asbach, Germany on August 13, 1933, to Karl and Anna Bauer. Joe lost both of his parents during World War 2 and was raised by his grandparents. He was close to his grandma. As a teen Joe was an avid and competitive soccer player. He completed his education in Asbach and became a journeyman tool and dye maker. At the age of eighteen, Joe undertook a new adventure leaving his family behind and immigrated to Canada where he knew no one and did not speak English. After a brief stint farming in Manitoba, Joe made his way west and began a career in mining. He started out at the Mineral King Mine in Invermere, followed by the Bluebell Mine in Riondel, and in 1972 made his way to Fording River Mine in Elkford. After many years of mining, in 1993 he ended his career as an exploration driller at Fording River Operations in Elkford. Following his retirement he moved to Creston, BC where he enjoyed a warmer climate, his garden, his dog, his cat, and playing golf. He returned to Elkford in 2011, enjoying five years of living with his son, Rick, and being surrounded by his family. Joe moved to the Senior’s Villas in Sparwood in 2016, and into Assisted Living at Rocky Mountain Village in 2022.
In October 1956, Joe married Eleanor Wills in Riondel, BC. Together they raised four children. Joe is survived by his four children: Joe (Kim) Bauer; Janice (Harley) Paton; Bruce (Phyllis) Bauer; Rick (Bev) Bauer; 13 grandchildren: Kenzie Karwandy, Shae Bauer, Payton Bauer, Melissa Paton, Amanda Parker, Brett Paton, Travis Bauer, Chelsea Bauer, Sheena Bauer, Chase Bauer, Sara Legacy, Michelle Petovello, Kassie Bauer and 23 great grandchildren. Joe is also survived by his sister, Sieglinde, and a few cousins in Germany.
Joe loved a good practical joke and always had fun playing tricks on his children and grandchildren. Joe enjoyed spending time going hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. Joe was a social man and was known to strike up a conversation with almost anyone on one of his many trips to the grocery store. Joe loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He always had a treat for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joe enjoyed getting out on the golf course and played his last round of golf when he was 89 years old.
At Joe’s request there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers please donate to Twin Meadows Animal Rescue. Joe had a deep love of animals, especially his dogs Blackie, Odie, and Sandy, and his cats Max and Circa. Thank you to the staff in Assisted Living at Rocky Mountain Village, Dr Claire Hirst, and Kayla DeMartini, Assisted Living & Community LPN for the care and kindness given to Joe. Special thanks to Dr Susan Rohn and the nursing staff at Elk Valley Hospital for the compassion and outstanding care given to Joe and our family at the end of Joe’s life.
Rest peacefully Dad, you are forever loved and missed.
www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com
