Ralph "Homer" Howard Bauman

Ralph Howard Bauman "Homer", passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving family and friends, Wednesday, October 4th, 2023 at The Gardens at Ridgestone, Elkhorn, WI. Homer was born at home in Genoa City on a warm summer'night, June 22nd, 1949 to Ruth and Carl Bauman. He was the youngest of 10 children. He attended grade school in Genoa City and graduated in 1967 from Badger High School, Lake Geneva, WI. 

Homer married Jeanne R. Weese October 23rd, 1970 in Genoa City, WI. She preceded him in death June 4th, 1987. Homer married Elizabeth L. Kronwall "Liz" April 23rd, 1988 in Genoa City, WI. Together they raised Homer and Jeanne's 3 children. Homer always said how lucky he was to have found "2 loves of his life" while some people never find one.

Homer was a government certified heliarc welder at Watlow Gordon Co., Richmond, Illinois. One of his favorite stories was how he outsmarted the engineers in inventing a part for the United States first space station, Skylab, for which Homer was awarded a U.S. patent. Homer gave up welding and became a police officer. He proudly served his local communities for 34 years starting his career in Bloomfield Township in the late 1970's. He went on to serve the City of Lake Geneva from 1981-2007 and worked his way through the ranks to become the Captain, an accomplishment he was very proud of. Upon his retirement from Lake Geneva, he served as the Chief of Police in Genoa City 2007-2012. He wanted to end his career in the community he was born in. 

Homer was a kind man with a gentle soul who enjoyed nothing better than telling one of his many stories! He loved dancing, coin collecting, fishing, hunting, shooting trap, riding motorcycles, traveling and most of all gathering his family and spending quality time with them. We have so many great memories with Homer. He truly was one of a kind! 

Homer is survived by his wife Liz (Genoa City, WI), Nikki Schulz (Billy), Doug Bauman (Patrick), Ken Bauman (Shannan). Grandchildren; Jonathan, Bryan, Kaili, Andrew, Landyn, Hunter, and Wyatt. Great grandchildren; Kayden, Stephen, Tanner, and his Weiner dog Rosie. In addition, he leaves behind a host of extended family of in-laws, great friends and people he loved as his own. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife; Jeanne, daughter; Annette, brothers; Carl, Ed, Frank, Ron, Jerry, and his sisters; June, Carleen, Lorraine and Val along with several special nieces, nephews and in-laws.

Homer's Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, October 29th, 2023 12-4pm with memorial service to follow at Derrick Funeral Home, 800 Park Dr. Lake Geneva, WI 53147. Please dress casual and bring your funny stories to share! Homer did it his way and passed on October 4th, which we believe was his way of saying goodbye (10-4, over and out!). Homer loves everyone and would love to have you come and celebrate him. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Homer's name can be made to the Lakeland Animal Shelter, Elkhorn, WI.

Homer's family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers and staff of The Gardens at Ridgestone, the staff of Lakeland Medical Center for their great support and care, St. Croix Hospice for helping keep him comfortable, All Day Adult Care for providing Homer with so much fun, laughter, and independence, VIP Services for getting him there safely and listening to all of his stories, and Homer's friends and family who visited him. A special thank you to Cathy Slawkin, Larry J., Jeanne Froggett, Donna Wisniewski, The staff of the Lake Geneva Police Department, and Homer's best friend, Mike Stern, for always being there for us in any way we needed. 

Services for Homer will be held on October 29th, 2023 at 4:00pm in the main chapel of Derrick Funeral Home.  Visitation will be held on the 29th from 12:00pm till the time of service.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy the family has asked that you donate in Homer's honor to the Lakeland Animal Shelter. A link has been provided below.

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Derrick Funeral Home is honored to be assisting Homer's family.

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