Carol Bauer, 63, of Cozad, passed away April 16, 2013, at the Cozad Community Hospital.
Carol was born Nov. 10, 1949, at Pittsburg, Kan., to James E. and Mary “Joan” (Kendall) Flesch Sr. Following her graduation from Gothenburg High School in 1967, she attended Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte and later, Kearney State College.
Carol married Jim Bauer on Sept. 12, 1971, at Gothenburg. The couple made their home just east of Cozad where they lived their entire married lives and raised their family. Carol worked for the Home Spun Company in Cozad for many years before eventually opening her own store, Carol’s Sewing, in 1990.
Carol was proud to call Cozad her home, and worked hard to make a difference. She was tremendously active in the Cozad United Methodist Church, where she served on the missions team, witness team and was the current lay leader. She was integral in the founding of the “Cloth ‘Em” program, which grew from humble beginnings to become a much larger and ecumenical project that all of the churches in Cozad have come to participate in. Carol made a special effort to always have her life intertwined with God’s teachings and his word. Her faith was the focal point of her life, and as a result, her customers sometimes sought and received more than sewing when they visited her shop. Carol was so open with her faith that her shop was often thought of as an “extension” of the church.
Carol will be remembered for her faith and nurturing spirit. She was often mothering others, which was a pattern that developed early since she was one of six children. Carol’s impact in the lives of her family will never be forgotten, her example of God’s love will serve as a lasting guide.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother-in-law, Roger Bauer.
Carol is survived by her husband, Jim Bauer, of Cozad; two sons, Chad (Alicia) Bauer and Drew (Janelle) Bauer, all of Cozad; daughter, Michelle “Shelly” (Jimmy Roberts) Bauer, of Cozad; three grandchildren, Jessie Suhr and Kristine Bauer, of Cozad, and Steve Roberts, of Kansas; three brothers, James E. (Georgie) Flesch Jr., of Gothenburg, Michael (Peggy) Flesch, of Omaha, Russell (Deb) Flesch, of Central City; two sisters, Margaret “Marge” (George) Spencer, of Brady, Virginia (Joe) Dyess, of Plattsmouth; five brothers-in-law, Don (Bonnie) Bauer, of Cozad, Larry (Joyce) Bauer, of Lexington, Tom Bauer, of Farnam, Steve (Carol) Bauer, of Eddyville, Mike Bauer, of Bailey, Colo.; seven sisters-in-law, Phyllis (Gene) Robinson, of Holdrege, Beverly (Dale) Tomasek, of Omaha; Mary Bauer, of Denver, Julie Tucker, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., Dorothy (Fred) Larson, of Colorado Springs, Colo., Marilyn Stephens, of Denver, Alice Bauer, of Overton; a special friend, John Zgud, of Cozad; and a host of other relatives and friends.
A memorial has been established. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com
Memorial services will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 20, at the Cozad United Methodist Church with Pastors Jeremy Jech and Jaime Farias officiating. A private family inurnment will be at the Cozad Cemetery at a later date.
Visitation will be from 1-8 p.m., Friday, April 19, at the Cozad United Methodist Church.