Catherine Frances Bauer

A cherished mother and grandmother who was our protector with her loving personality, Catherine “Kate” Frances Bauer (née Vomund) left us peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Kate walked through life with remarkable strength, touching the lives of so many people she met. Kate loved to kid around with you and have a good laugh.

Kate was born on January 12, 1929, in St. Paul, Missouri to Joseph and Elizabeth Vomund. She was one of thirteen children and grew up helping on the family farm. She drove the tractor on the farm when her brothers were off in WW II.

Kate was an accomplished athlete in her youth, playing on several championship women’s softball teams in St. Paul between the ages of 16 and 24.

Kate married Bob Bauer in 1955, and together they owned and operated Bauer’s Tavern in St. Paul for about ten years. Following their time at the tavern, Kate worked as a school bus driver and ran the concession stand at the local ballpark. The concession stand was just like the tavern and she got to talk to most of the town and keep up with what was going on.

Bob and Kate were blessed with three children: Jerry (LuAnn) Bauer, Vernon (Julie) Bauer, and Dan (Kim) Bauer, who will never forget the love and joy she brought to their lives. Her family grew to include eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, all of whom loved and adored their Grandma Bauer.

After Bob’s passing in 1972, Kate earned her high school diploma and began a 17-year career with Airwick, demonstrating her determination and strong work ethic.

Kate found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved playing bingo, watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball, working in the yard, and playing cards—especially Euchre. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she faithfully attended Holy Hour at the chapel at St. Paul Church on Saturday afternoons for many years.

Above all, Kate cherished her family. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, enjoying watching them grow into adulthood, as well as frequent visits from her great-grandchildren. She leaves behind 8 grandchildren --Laura (Sean) Cunniff, Sarah (Dan) Kogan, Brandon (Meghan) Bauer, Alana (Tim) Hall, Chelsea (John) Hollingshead, Ryan (Danielle) Bauer, Kylene (Brent) Balek, and Megan Bauer. As well as her 13 great grandchildren-- Piper and Emery Bauer, Mackenzie Cunniff, Elliott and Marina Kogan, Lily and Charlie Hall, James, Lucy, Josephine and Pio Bauer, and Wyatt and Mason Hollingshead.

Kate was preceded in death by her brothers Henry Vomund (Dolly), Nicholas Vomund (Dorothy), Aloysius Vomund (Arcella), Joseph Vomund (Patricia), Charles Vomund (Dorothy), sisters Cecilia Luetkemeyer (Red), Mary Ann Kerpash (Paul), and Ursula Orf (Martin). Kate is survived by her brothers Paul Vomund (Joan); Bill Vomund (Ruth), sisters Bea Feldewerth (Dave) and Sister Michaleen Vomund.

There are no words to express how grateful and blessed we are for the employees at Twin Oaks at Heritage Pointe, who cared for her so compassionately and respectfully over the past few years. We also extend a heartfelt thank you to our friends and family who are supporting us with their thoughts and prayers.

We invite you to enjoy lunch with us at the St. Paul Knights of Columbus Hall immediately following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul Catholic Church or to the Twin Oaks at Heritage Pointe’s Resident Activity Fund (where Kate made her soda money as the Bingo queen).