Nancie Jo Bauer
Nancie Jo Bauer cartwheeled into life on June 8, 1955 as the daughter of Ted and Jean Bauer. Nancie grew up in Holt and lived and worked there her entire life. She left an indelible mark on family, friends and students.
Life for Nancie came to a close on June 25, 2021 and we are grateful for the many things she shared with us and the memories she created.
From the time she was a young child, Nancie wanted to be a teacher. She had a school set up in the basement of her house, and the neighborhood children remember playing school. Nancie was always the teacher.
She graduated from Holt High School in 1973 and from Michigan State University in 1992 with a BS in Physical Education and Exercise Science which she counted as one of her proudest accomplishments.
She worked at Holt Public Schools in several capacities beginning in 1991 and began teaching in 1995. Nancie considered herself fortunate to have a career which she loved, and it showed in her classes where her influence was felt by thousands of students. She had a passion for helping people of all ages lead healthy lives and students across the years will long remember her “magic apple” reward for healthy practices.
As a result of her innovative kinetics teaching which empowers students to become healthier in a fun environment and her devotion to a healthy lifestyle, Nancie was presented with the Governor’s Fitness Award – Champion for Health in 2013.
Her students were the joy of her life and Nancie loved each one of them, and in turn she was the light of their lives. That light will shine on forever through them.
Nancie loved dance from the time she was in her first dance class at the age of three. She founded the Nancie Bauer Dance Studio in 1978, and for the next 28 years, she taught thousands of children to love dance. Her annual recitals will long be remembered with joy by her students, their families and Nancie’s family and friends.
Nancie loved her beautiful home and pool, doing yard work and planting flowers, spending time with her children and grandchildren, sipping a glass of wine on her deck with her women friends and enjoying sunsets in South Haven.
She will be deeply missed by her parents, Jean and Ted Bauer, who she adored and admired, and her two sons who were the loves of her life: Nicholas (Jenn) Spyke and Joey Spyke. She especially loved and doted on her grandchildren Joss and Theo Spyke who adored their “Gugu.”
Nancie was the beloved sister of Joan Bauer of Lansing, MI and Joe (Liz) Bauer of Basalt, CO, and aunt to Trent, Anna and Megan Bauer who live in Colorado. She is survived also by many extended family and friends.
An open house will be held Wednesday, August 4, 2021 from 3:00 – 7:00 pm at the Hidden Gem Event Venue, 4230 Charlar Drive, Holt. The family invites you to stop by to celebrate Nancie’s life and share memories of this very special woman.
In lieu of flowers, and to help keep Nancie’s passions alive, donations can be made to ahealthieramerica.org, elesplace.org or the Holt Community Foundation Nancie Bauer scholarship fund, 6419 Beecher Rd., Flint, MI 48532, holtcommunity.org. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel.
37 Messages to “Nancie Jo Bauer”
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Barry Wall
June 28, 2021 at 5:34 pmTo the entire Bauer family, My thoughts and prayers are with you, May the lord be watching over you.
Jeannie Woods
June 28, 2021 at 7:19 pmMiss Bauer’s family,
Sharing in your sadness as you remember Nancie. Praying for strength, comfort and peace through this difficult time. She was that bright light that lit up every room that she entered. She touched so many lives through school, dance and friendships. She will be missed greatly in the Holt community.
Sallye Jo Emmons
June 28, 2021 at 7:27 pmDeepest sympathy from the Emmons family. Nancie was our daughter’s dance teacher, our son’s physical education teacher and my coworker at Holt Public Schools, Nancie was beautiful inside and out and will be missed so much.. RIP ole friend.
Carl F. Acker
June 29, 2021 at 8:39 amMrs. Bauer was a wonderful giving lady. She touch so many young peoples lives by, her caring and love. My granddaughter, was close to her. They spent much time “working out”. Chloe will miss her very much. May we all find comfort in the memories we have of, Mrs. Bauer adding a smile, when we do.
Cheryl Hanel Dickerson
June 29, 2021 at 8:56 amMy deepest sympathy to the Bauer family. Nancie was my dance teacher for years growing up. I could not wait to get to dance class and learn some jazzy hand step ball change moves. Her dance studio at that time was on the corner of Holt Rd and Cedar St. So many great memories. She was a beautiful soul inside and out. Nancie always made me feel special. Her classes and support got me through some difficult times in my young life. I was so excited when my two children had her for their physical education teacher. You will not be forgotten Nancie.
Roger & Diana Stubig
June 29, 2021 at 10:00 amWe were neighbors for over 40 years on Moonlight Lane. Nancie was a dance teacher to our 3 daughters, taught swimming lessons to our grand children and shared many conversations on her porch as neighbors. Our hearts are heavy with sadness for not only ourselves but for Nancies family. We will keep all of you in our prayers.
Amie Barrett
June 29, 2021 at 10:29 amI am so sorry to hear of this news. Nancie and I had been communicating for the past few months on private swimming lessons for my kiddos. My thoughts and prayers go out to her friends and family.
Elaine Hoekwater
June 29, 2021 at 11:29 amMy thought and prayers to the Bauer family. I taught with Nancie for many years. I know she was loved by all her students and staff. Nancie wii be missed.
Mac & Colleen (Patton) Wallace
June 29, 2021 at 12:25 pmOur hearts broke when we learned of Nancie’s death. I’ve known Nancie most of my life, growing up in the same neighborhood, Jeanne & Lee Sts in Holt, then living across from her on Moonlight and of course throughout our school days. Nancie was one of a kind, her bubbly personality was always been bigger than life and her kind soul always had time to bring happiness to those around her. Our lives have definitely been enriched by knowing her; losing her has left a huge hole in the fabric of our universe. Rest well and peacefully in God’s loving arms dear girl, you have earned that for sure. To all the Bauer family, know that we are holding you close in our hearts and prayers, may God grant you comfort now and in all the days ahead.
Susan (Raymond)Gailey
July 2, 2021 at 4:35 pmAlthough I was on Walnut, I too remember the Bauer’s and the Patton family well. I spent many summer days over there with Nancie, Molly, and the others. Growing up with them was a wonderful blessing. Colleen, I would like to hear from you regarding Molly. If you would ask Estes Leadley please for my email or number, myself and all her classmates miss her dearly as we will Nancie.
Molly Ann Cox
July 2, 2021 at 8:49 pmSusan, I too am so very sad to have heard of Nancy’s passing. My goodness! We sure did have fun in Nancy’s classroom in the basement. And, your house was my favorite place to peddle my bike too. Walnut Street kiddos we’re loads of fun. You can reach me at mersamolly@gmail.com
I am well and I hope you are too.
Molly
Emma Sigman
June 30, 2021 at 7:22 pmNancy taught me dance for close to 12 years throughout my child and adolescent years. She was an amazing teacher, mentor and person. She was always so loving and caring. My senior year, Nancy had already left her dance studio. I performed my senior salute at our dance recital that year and Nancy was in the front row watching all of us perform. She continued to cheer us all on after she had left her studio to pursue other career opportunities. After the recital she came up to me and told me that my performance had been phenomenal. I will never forget her or the positive influence she has had on my life. My condolences go out to her family and friends.
Christina (Sperry) Pakkala
June 30, 2021 at 10:19 pmTo the entire Bauer family, God’s peace.
Nancie was an extraordinarily gifted lady.
Darcy and James Huyser
June 30, 2021 at 10:26 pmMay the Lord’s eyes shine down upon you, his arms wrap around you and his total presence bring peace to you and your family.
Jodi Gilroy
July 1, 2021 at 9:18 amNancie was my boys elementary gym teacher, and I have fond memories of her helping them grow physically and emotionally. Her patient, kind, caring nature helped nurture my boys into strong athletes. Your family will be in my prayers during this time. Please be gentle and patient with yourselves as you process your loss.
Sara Pascoe
July 1, 2021 at 11:05 amI attended Bauer Dance Studio for 13 years during my youth. Still to this day I can hear Nancie call out steps to the tap routines she taught – ‘flap heel heel pick-up heel toe heel’ was one of my favorites! I can still see her resting her chin on her hands at the edge of the stage watching us perform in the recital each year and shouting at us to apply more red lipstick before the next routine. I reached out to her about 12 years ago – long after I left the studio and asked if she remembered me and if she had any dance studio recommendations for my daughter. Her response was, “Of course I remember you! I carry you in my heart!” I imagine she carried all her students – from Bauer Dance Studio or from Holt Public Schools in her heart. Her kindness, passion, dedication, and joy she brought to others will be forever missed. Rest easy Nancie. I’ll forever carry you in my heart.
Deb Green
July 1, 2021 at 12:19 pmSo very sorry for your loss. Lots of fun memories with dance recitals when her son and my grandson were the only little boys dancing. Thoughts & prayers for your family.
Mer Pavlov (Harper)
July 1, 2021 at 3:00 pmSo very sorry for the loss of Nancie. She was the first person to ever make gym class fun for me, after years of misery. She was so kind and able to make deep, personal connections with all of her students
Havens family
July 1, 2021 at 9:00 pmWe wish to express our deepest sympathies to Nancie’s family and how she positively influenced our daughter. Sarah loved Nancie and her classes. We remember how excited she would speak about her class and dance routine that Nancie taught. We truly enjoyed the performance which was the highlight of the year! Sarah is currently studying physical education in college due to Nancie’s inspiration and how she shaped her future. Sarah says she hopes she can be like Nancie as a teacher. She was such a motivation and brought positive energy to class and all she did. Sarah will always remember her as one of her most favorite teachers and role model.
Debbie Jennings Pentecost
July 2, 2021 at 12:12 pmYou are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May knowing what a positive impact Nancie had on many and your fond memories of her give you much peace.
Jacob McCormick
July 2, 2021 at 5:13 pmJoan and family, sending my condolences on the loss of your sister. Both my brother and I had Ms. Bauer for physical education in middle school. I remember participating in evening/weekend walking groups with students and families in her neighborhood. She was also an active participant in our Holt history discussions on Facebook. Her passion and love of the old IOOF building where she had her dance studio came though all the time! She frequently talked about trying to save it in the ’90s when it was slated for demolition. I’ll also forever remember her as one of the few people who showed up to a Holt-Delhi Historical Society fundraiser at Edru a few years ago, she made the most of it and all had a great time despite the low turnout. She had even promoted it to her students.
Nancie was absolutely a treasured member of the Holt community and will be sorely missed! Her impact is immense and will continue through those she taught and positively influenced.
Anita Andersen
July 2, 2021 at 6:44 pmWhere do I begin? I met Nancie in 7th grade and so started our journey of over 60 years of Laughing and having the most Adventurous Fun times ever! Nancie and I became quick friends and spent a great amount of time together . We used to ride a Tandem bike all over Holt when we were young. Going to South Haven, writing a song about the “Bunks” (a nickname for us) and enjoying the area– the beautiful home in South Haven and beach. I will cherish these memories forever. Aunt Isabel was so sweet and sharp as a tack well into her later years.
Thank You Ted and Jean for your kindness and allowing us to visit SH.
My Precious beloved friend – You will be Missed Forever!
Loy and Veronica Nash
July 2, 2021 at 7:13 pmTo Jenn, Nick and your children we send our condolences, love and prayers in this most difficult time. Uncle Loy and Aunt Veronica Nash
Troy, Linn, Kristina and Rachel Gladstone
July 2, 2021 at 9:32 pmWhat a tremendous loss to the community and especially the children of Holt. Nancie was a true diamond and sparkled wherever she went, and anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her had been granted a gift. We had the pleasure of meeting Nancie when she helped organize “talent” for the Ingham Medical Follies. What a trip! Her patience was endless!!! Our daughter danced with Nancie beginning at age 3 till her late teens. She was an amazing talent herself. Holt just won’t be the same without Nancie, she was loved by so many and will truly be missed. Prayers to her entire family.
Duane and Diane Warren
July 3, 2021 at 10:47 amDuane and I lived next-door to Nancie and from the moment she moved in the neighborhood, there was always that fun-loving young gal next-door starting her family and those two darling boys that she loved so well. Josh and Theo were her own special little angels. She lived to make things better in the world through loving children and what she could do to enhance their growth and development. She taught our girls dance classes from the moment they were able to take a class. The girls always put her on a pedestal and recently we pulled out all their dance costumes before we moved to Tennessee, and the memories the girls have and the laughter and joy she brought to so many children in developing their ability to be little girls and dance is a beautiful memory for all of them. She was a delightful, fun-loving, and awesome person. May God bless each of her family members.
Laurie Stevens
July 3, 2021 at 2:06 pmMy thoughts and prayers are with the Bauer family.
Pat and Kathy Brown
July 3, 2021 at 3:09 pmOur hearts break for her parents and sons, Nancy’s has an amazing family that she loved deeply. Nancy is a beautiful lady inside and out and would have helped anyone that needed it!! Nancy had a gift to make people feel special and kids loved her!! So sad that this wonderful lady has left us so soon!! ?
The Foerster Family
July 3, 2021 at 9:25 pmMy daughter, Brooklynn, had the pleasure of having Ms. Bauer as her kinetics (physical education) teacher this past marking period at Hope. She really bonded with Ms. Bauer as they had so much in common with their love for jumping rope and dancing. Though their time together was short, Ms. Bauer’s impact on my daughter will last a lifetime! Our hearts go out to the family of Nancie. She will most definitely be missed by all!
Susan (Raymond) Gailey
July 4, 2021 at 10:27 amOhh Nancie, what a character! My mind just whirls with memories of Kiwanis Park, lunches at her house ( when lunchtime at Sycamore was an entire hour), scratching our names on the bathroom heater!, and one that stands out is 6th grade when Mr. Harrington left the room and told us not to get out of our seats. A number of us dared one another of course and I remember Terry Bement, Nancie and I were standing when Mrs Harrington returned. We were each taken out to the ‘safety hall’ for a couple whacks with the paddle. It seems there were 6 of us and Anita was very likely another caught “out of her seat” Those were great times as were the personal talks we had when we both worked at Hope.
Nancie was a hoot even at our most recent reunion! Thank you Nancie. Memories of you will forever make me smile.
Nancie
Dan Lawson
July 4, 2021 at 12:49 pmMy heart is broken for the loss of my friend. I will miss her greatly. We started our friendship in the 1960’s, but life separated us after high school. She followed her calling and I mine. Our relationship was like a rubber band, we would be separated for a time, but then always pulled back together for a short period. We may have been miles apart, but we always maintained contact through letters, emails, texts, and sometimes, phone calls, to keep up with each others lives. Nancie was a great pen-pal. You learn much about a person through sincere written communication and I know Nancie had a beautiful and kind soul that made an impact on many people’s lives, both young and old. Much like John Adams and Thomas Jefferson had their differences, So did Nancie and I. We had some very spirited discussions about many things, but in the end we put our differences aside and hugged each other tightly each time we came together, because we both valued our friendship more than any “issue du jour.” This is a testament to her outstanding intellect and character. She could debate you, but also be your friend and love you. I will pray for God to richly shed His Grace on the entire Bauer family to comfort them in this loss. I will miss my friend.
Kurk Prater
July 4, 2021 at 11:57 pmNancie was always a beacon of light and fun to be around while we were in school together…
She will be missed
Pete Smith
July 6, 2021 at 5:33 pmNancie was a mentor to me when I started my journey as a teacher. I consider myself lucky to have worked closely with her! She left us too early but the memories hundreds, if not thousands of people have of her will live on for years more!
My deepest sympathies to her family and all the people who were influenced by power.
Deb and Rick Devlin-Angevine
July 7, 2021 at 4:16 pmDear Nancie’s Family,
We’re sad to see that Nancie passed away. Our daughter (Kari) took dance classes from Nancie for eight years, which she enjoyed. Nancie was always fun to be around and thoroughly enjoyed encouraging the girls in the class. Our hearts go out to Nancie’s family.
Denise Towsley Kelley
July 8, 2021 at 9:46 amI am so sorry to hear of Nancie’s passing. I took dance classes from Nancie and my family have been friends with Joan and have known the Bauer family for years. She was a strong teacher and pushed us to be our best at each class and recital. Please know that Nancie’s entire family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Sending love and hugs.
Deb Fox
July 20, 2021 at 4:13 pmTed, Jean, Joan, Joe, Liz, Nick, Jen, Joss, Theo, Joey,
My heart hurts for all of you. We all share in your grief.
Nancie and I have known each other since we were 3/4 years old. We shared so many adventures in the neighborhood and beyond. One of my favorite memories which will always be with me, was her sense of humor. Few could ever make me laugh the way Nancie did.
Love you all
Deb (Lubbers) Fox
Logan Vorce
July 26, 2021 at 4:44 pmDear Ms. Bauer’s family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I had Ms. Bauer as my gym teacher in middle school and loved attending her classes. I would sometimes (with permission) leave my other electives early to go to help out in her class. She has and will continue to be one of the most impactful women I have ever met in my life. Ms. Bauer truly made me feel special and has positively influenced the lifestyle I have today. I have no doubt that she will be dearly missed by myself and the rest of her students who she cared so deeply for.
–Logan Vorce
Sarah Sanders
July 27, 2021 at 9:56 pmI have just become a teacher and one of our assignments was to look back at past teachers we have had that have made an impact on our lives. I loved Ms. Bauer’s kinetics and dance class in school. She had a true passion for what she did and it showed. My favorite apple is a Braeburn apple because she said that they tasted really good one day in class.
Overall, looking back at my time in school she is a model of the type of teacher I hope to be.