Ferdinand Wendell “Fred” Bauer, age 85, passed away at 11:37 p.m. on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at Universal Healthcare in Raleigh, North Carolina, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Fred moved to Centralia, Illinois and graduated with Centralia Township High School’s “Class of 1952” and attended Centralia Junior College, then received his BS degree from Washington University in Saint Louis, Missouri. Fred moved to New York City to pursue an acting career, which he supported by driving a New York City cab, bartending, running a grocery store and working as a security guard to name just a few. He eventually went back to his engineering background and worked as an inspector for the New York City Department of Highways for 20 years. After Fred retired, he returned to Centralia for several years. He later moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, in 2000 to be near his family. Fred will be missed by so many who knew and loved him. He was genuinely kind, had a wonderful sense of humor, a massive silly streak, and a positive spirit that prevailed.
Graveside Service of Mr. Ferdinand Wendell “Fred” Bauer will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at Elmwood Cemetery in Centralia, Illinois, with Pastor Brian High Officiating. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. Friends may visit with Mr. Bauer’s family from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home at 134 South Elm Street in Centralia, Illinois. The family asks those who are attending to please be mindful of social distancing, wear a mask, and take any health precautions necessary to ensure a healthy environment. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, or share memories with Mr. Bauer’s family at www.moranfuneralhome.net.
Fred is survived by his two daughters, Pamela Sharp and husband Mark of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Belinda Bauer and her mother, Audrey Bauer of New York City; grandchildren, Courtney Kolesar and husband John of Gillespie, Illinois, and Jacob Schaeffer and wife Robin of Troy, Illinois; great grandchildren, Carly Kolesar and Carter Kolesar; sister, Gretchen Wrigley of Raleigh, North Carolina; nephews, Michael Cochran and wife Nancy of Islip, New York and David Cochran and wife Linda of Morristown, New Jersey; nephews, Emory Myers and Joe Myers and nieces, Hanna Cochran and Sissel Cochran.
Fred was born on March 15, 1936, the son of Wendell A. and Gladys (Edwards) Bauer, in Chicago, Illinois, where he lived until 1952.
