Loraine “Butch” E. Bauer

Dec. 15, 1939 - Aug. 24, 2018

Clay Center resident Loraine “Butch” Edwin Bauer, 78, passed away Friday, Aug. 24, at Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 28, at McLaughlin Funeral Chapel in Clay Center with Pastor Mike Ulmer officiating. Interment followed at the Clay Center Cemetery with military honors by the American Legion Mills-Schroder Post #87. In honoring his wishes there was no viewing or visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Clay Center Fire and Rescue Units. Condolences may be left at www.mclaughlinchapel.com. Loraine was born Dec. 15, 1939, in Fillmore County, to William Daniel and Sarah Christina (Griess) Bauer. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1962, at the age of 23. He did his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX, and served 21 years before retiring. Loraine was an E-8 Senior Master Sergeant and serviced airplanes. He was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Del Rio, TX, Moses Lake, WA, El Centro, CA, Edwards Air Force Base, CA, and in Guam where he serviced the C5, the largest plane in the U.S. Forces. Loraine also served two tours in Vietnam where he was exposed to Agent Orange working on the Tomahawk Airplane. He is survived by three sisters, Donna May Ulmer of Montana; Marian Griess of York, and Betty Hesselgesser of Florida; brother, Ronald Bauer of Geneva, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Sarah; two sisters, Ilene Miller and Ruth Schmidt; and two brothers, Bill Bauer and Laurence Bauer. Loraine will be greatly missed by all who knew him.