Jean Bauer
Jean Bauer, of Holt, Michigan, passed away on April 28, 2025, at the age of 97. She filled her long life with family and friends, a teaching career, volunteer work, golf and playing in numerous Bridge groups…all things that continued to give her great joy. Jean’s life was one of love, kindness and an unwavering optimism that touched all who knew her.
Jean Freeman Bauer was born on October 28, 1927, the daughter of Annie and Harry Freeman, and grew up in Mason, Michigan. After graduating from Mason High School in 1945, Jean attended Western Michigan University where she earned a bachelor’s degree and met the love of her life, Ted Bauer, to whom she was married for 72 years.
Upon graduating from college, Jean and Ted moved to Holt, Michigan, in 1950 where she lived for the next 75 years surrounded by family and friends. She had such special memories of the “Jeanne Street neighborhood” where they lived for 57 years and raised their three children, Joanie, Joe and Nancie.
Jean led a busy and active life. She taught typing and shorthand for the Holt Public Schools for many years, was a 30+ year volunteer at Ingham Medical Center where she not only gave her time but was a longtime board member and past-president of the hospital auxiliary, and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Holt for over 50 years.
Jean Bauer was preceded in death by her husband, Ted Bauer, her daughter, Nancie Bauer and her siblings, Freda Freeman Lay and Harry Freeman Jr. Jean will be deeply missed by her daughter Joan Bauer of Lansing and son Joe Bauer (Liz) of Basalt, CO. She was adored by her grandchildren: Nicholas (Jenn) Spyke of Dewitt, Joey Spyke of East Lansing, Trent Bauer of Milliken, CO, Anna Bauer of Basalt, CO, and Megan (Tad) Davis of Rifle, CO. Jean loved being a great-grandmother to Joss, Theo, Blake and Taylor. Jean had a close relationship with her nephew and his wife, Chuck and Margaret Lay, and her many nieces and nephews held a special place in her heart.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Holt, 2921 North Aurelius Road, Holt, MI, with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jean’s memory can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Holt or the Holt Education Foundation.
Arrangements by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.EstesLeadley.com.
14 Messages to “Jean Bauer”
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Christine Freeman
May 1, 2025 at 11:07 pmLove you, Aunt Jean!
Jean Mastin
May 2, 2025 at 10:35 amI will always remember the good times playing bridge with Jean. We had a lot of good years, good tournaments and great laughs. She was a great partner and a great friend.
Mary Clark
May 3, 2025 at 6:47 amWhat a phenomenal woman! She will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.
Chaplain Dan Johnson
May 4, 2025 at 8:28 amJean was a beloved resident at Great Lakes Christian Homes retirement community. She first introduced herself to me as “Mean Jean” but of course she was not! She will be greatly missed by residents and staff alike.
Marsha McCoy-Pfister
May 4, 2025 at 9:56 pmI was so happy that Jean lived at Great Lakes when my mom, Maribelle, was there. Mom really enjoyed visiting with her. Joan, I miss running into you there as well.
Rev. Dr. Robert Hundley
May 6, 2025 at 8:34 amJoan – our thoughts and prayers are with you in the death of your mother. Our memories of her go back to her years of service through her volunteerism at the old Ingham Medical Center. Her presence, caring, and kindness in what she did and the way she did it, was a model of service for that time and place. May God’s peace and comfort be yours in your season of grief.
Bob and Pigeon Hundley
Kim Gamet Jenks
May 6, 2025 at 4:42 pmMrs. Bauer was my typing and shorthand teacher at Holt High School during the ‘76-‘77 school year. She was always so proper and classy. She wore a skirt and matching sweater everyday. Her reading glasses hung on a chain around her neck. She was warm & friendly, with a big smile, but also expected your attention and hard work! Many timed typing tests and counting of words per minute were done!!
Many years later, my husband, Mark Jenks, came to know her as a friendly & regular bridge player at the Sam Corey Senior Center.
She will be fondly remembered and missed.
Pat Booker
May 7, 2025 at 9:03 amSo thankful that you were my Aunt. A lifetime of wonderful memories. Rest in peace pretty lady!
Pam Shewchuck
May 7, 2025 at 11:15 amI was just a toddler when the Bauer family came into my life, Mrs. Bauer always made me feel like they were my second family , she always remembered a joke they played on me when I was little , I will miss her and her kindness and quick wit love to you all
Terry Fox
May 8, 2025 at 7:52 amMy heart goes out to the Bauer family. Jean was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. Ted was one of my high school teachers and was a real inspiration. He made Government class interesting and also taught many life lessons. I can still picture him getting fired up for football pep rally’s.
Nancie was a good friend and I have fond memories of talking with her by the Bauer pool. She was also fun to work with at the old Ramada Inn restaurant.
Joan is a fine mentor to many. She has been great for the area and the state of Michigan, we need more like her!
God Bless all.
Suzanne Moore
May 11, 2025 at 1:47 pmTo The Bauer Family: May your cherished memories of this beautiful lady bring you comfort and may knowing that she is in God’s loving embrace give you peace.
NIna Whitehill
May 12, 2025 at 8:07 amI knew Jean for years, as Joanie’s Mom. I have been friends with Joanie since grade school.
I spent time at the Bauer’s home and fondly remember Jean and she was a fun, warm and caring Mom. She and Joanie were very close. I also lived across the street from the Bauers for many years and my kids enjoyed swimming in their pool and visiting with Jean and Ted.
She was a remarkable woman who made the best of whatever happened to her. I admire her strength and positive way she lived her life.
Bonnie L.Lay
May 12, 2025 at 1:53 pmDear Joan Bauer and Family.
So Sorry for the Loss,Of Your Mother, Jean Bauer. She was My Typing Teacher,Back at The old Holt high School, on ?Aurelius,Rd.Back in The 70″s 1977.
Before I Knew what I was Going to do With my life.
I was Lucky enough to Meet,Joan Bauer, at the Greenhouse,At Peckham.Inc.Where I Have Been at For Several years, now.
Sincerely yours,
Bonnie L.Lay.
Jill Galka
May 14, 2025 at 7:14 amShe was one in a million! I have such wonderful memories of her!! She was my mother’s best friend and I’m sure they are playing bridge in Heaven now!! She will surely be missed. Much love to her family.