Thomas B. Bauer Sr.

Thomas B. Bauer, Sr., 66, of Fremont passed away at home surrounded by his family on October 2, 2025. Tom was born on June 18, 1959 in Fremont, the son of James R. Bauer Sr. and Mary (Dalton) Bauer. He was a 1977 graduate of Fremont Ross High School.

Tom married Olivia Vara on August 10, 1978 in Clinton, VA and she survives. He was employed for forty years with the City of Clyde Wastewater Plant where he held the position of Plant Operator and Superintendent from 1979 until he retired in 2020. Tom was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. During his free time, Tom enjoyed riding his Harley Night Train, playing Scrabble, word games and reading. He was an avid puzzle fan but above all Tom enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, Sunday dinners and just family in general. He was “One Cool Dude.”

Tom is survived by his loving wife of forty-seven years, Olivia Bauer; children, Thomas (Kathy) Bauer Jr., and Jaime (Robb) Ritzman; grandchildren, Christopher Sheetz, Maygan and Anna Bauer, Isabelle and Grayson Ritzman; great grandchildren, Willow and Hazel Sheetz; brothers, James (Jere) Bauer, Jr. and Michael (Mary Jo) Bauer; sisters-in-law, Hortensia (Jay) Clevenger, and Diana Vara; brother-in-law, Mario (Cheryl) Vara, Jr.; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Patrick Bauer; father and mother-in-law, Mario and Isabel Vara, Sr.; sister-in-law, Maria Vara; brother-in-law, Rudy Vara; niece, Heather Bauer; longtime best friend, Steven Kramer; and his beloved dog, Jessica.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 425 E, State St, Fremont OH 43420. A vigil will take place at the funeral home at 7:30 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, October 8, 2025; 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 709 Croghan St, Fremont OH 43420.

Burial will take place at Greenlawn Memory Gardens.

Memorials can be made in his honor to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Heartland Hospice.