HUDSON — Charles ‘Dean’ Bauer, lifelong resident of Hudson, Kan., died on Sept. 26, 2025, at Kenwood Plaza in St. John, Kan., at the age of 92. He was born on April 15, 1933, in Great Bend, Kan., the son of Henry J. Bauer and Lydia M. (Nolte) Bauer.

After graduating from Hudson High School in 1951, Dean served in the Army for two years, spending much of his time stationed in Alaska. Upon returning home, Dean attended Fort Hays State College in Hays, Kan., and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. He returned to the Hudson community and was part of the Bauer family business. Dean and his brother, Harold Bauer, continued to operate Bauer’s Grocery in Hudson, a business the family had founded in the 1920s, until it closed in 2000.

On Aug. 3, 1969, Dean married Peggy A. (Spangenberg) Walter in Winfield, Kan. Peggy preceded him in death on Oct. 31, 2018.  Dean is survived by his children, Scott (Elaine) Walter, Louisburg, Kan., Brent (Kim) Walter, Hudson, Kan., and Jon Bauer, Hudson, Kan.  Dean’s grandchildren include Kayla (Sean) Garvey, Wentzville, Mo., Ellie (Will) Garza, Overland Park, Kan., Matt Winger, Hudson, Kan. and Chelsea (Bill) Finke, Abilene, Kan. Dean is also survived by his sister-in-law, Sally Bauer, of Hudson, Kan., and Larry (Nancy) Nolte, of Blue Rapids, Kan., who was part of the family and like a brother to him.  Additionally, Dean has numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, and friends in the area. Dean was also preceded in death by his parents; brother Harold; brother Chet; sister-in-law Naomi; sister Johanna; brother-in-law Silas; and granddaughter Lydia Knight. 

Dean was known for his thoughtfulness, kindness, and concern for those less fortunate. He served on the boards of the Trinity Community Church and the St. John School District for several years, during his children’s formative years. He enjoyed most sports, history, reading, traveling, jazz music, and English Bulldogs. His steady presence left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at Minnis Chapel, 526 E. 4th St., St. John, KS. His life celebration will continue with a noon lunch at the Hudson Community Hall, Hudson, Kan. Private inurnment will be at the Trinity Cemetery, Hudson, Kan. The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Hudson Community Foundation or Trinity Community Church, both located in Hudson, Kan., to Minnis Chapel, 526 E. 4th Ave, St. John, KS 67576.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Minnis Chapel

526 E. 4th Ave

St. John, KS 67576

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 2, 2025