Dr. Frank W. Bauer

A longtime Plymouth optometrist, Dr. Frank W. Bauer, 96, passed away Sunday morning, June 1st of natural causes in the Miller’s Merry Manor, Plymouth.
He was born the son of Mishawaka residents Jacob and Johanna (Frank) Bauer on July 14, 1911.
Frank graduated from Mishawaka High School and the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago.
On February 12, 1940 in South Bend, he married the former Kathryn E. Stahr. The couple then moved to Plymouth where Dr. Bauer established a practice that would span seven decades. While practicing at the age of 90, Dr. Bauer was recognized as the oldest active optometrist in the State of Indiana by the Indiana Optometric Association.
The Bauer’s were active members of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Plymouth. Dr. Bauer was a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 149, the Shrine Temple and a past president of the Plymouth Kiwanis Club.
Playing bridge was a favorite past-time of Dr. Bauer’s and he had enjoyed the company of friends while living at the Miller’s Assisted Living complex.
Dr. Bauer is survived by two daughters; Linda Lee and husband Joseph Felke Jr. of Plymouth and Stephanie Lynn and husband Arthur Levin of Carmel, Indiana.
Three grandchildren and Dr. Bauer’s five great grandchildren also survive. They are; Christopher and Jennifer Felke with sons Patrick, Thomas, and Nicholas all of Plymouth, Sarah and John Robinson with daughters Celia and Meg all of Franklin, Tenn. and Lindsay Levin of Carmel, Indiana.
A sister Violet Rode of Monroeville, Indiana also survives.
Dr. Bauer was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, and a sister Florence Marquardt.
A time of sharing with the family will be held in the St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 400 N. Center St., Plymouth from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, June 6th. A Requiem Funeral Mass will follow at 1 p.m. with Fr. John Schramm officiating.
Inurnment of ashes will take place immediately following the Mass in the St. Thomas columbarium.