Paul C. Bauer, 91, of Green Bay, died peacefully on Saturday, May 8, 2010 at the Jack and Engrid Meng Residence in Ledgeview with his family by his side. His great sense of humor, work ethic, commitment to life and pride in his family were near and dear to him. His strong faith and determination is an inspiration to us all. His children will be ever grateful for his practical approach to life, giving us all the tools we needed to succeed in our life without him. Paul's constant storytelling and social nature endeared him to everyone.

Paul was born on December 13, 1918 in West Bend, Wis. to Peter and Elizabeth (Thoma) Bauer. On May 27, 1942 he married Jayne Meyer in Richmond, VA while in the Army Air Corps. They had eight children, Peter (Claire) Bauer, Gardenville, NV; Sue (John) Keller, Santa Rosa, CA; Michael (Ann) Bauer, Sun Prairie, WI; Chris (Tom) LeCapitaine, Green Bay, WI; Mary Beth Bauer, Melbourne, Australia; Ann (Jim) Corkery, Peoria, IL; Margaret Collins, Milwaukee, WI; and David (Kristi) Bauer, Peoria, IL; 17 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his dear and beloved parents, a step-mother, Tillie; a brother, Alphonse; and two sisters, Gertrude and Elizabeth.

Paul joined the Army Air Corps shortly after Pearl Harbor was attacked and helped train fighter pilots during World War II. He owned and operated the Bauery Tap on Pike Lake in Southern Wisconsin before moving to Green Bay in 1948 to open and manage Mullen's Family Shoe Store. Paul was a Golden Gloves boxer, and avid hunter, archer and loved golfing and fishing with his family. For many years he sold insurance to people living in the rural areas he loved to travel through. Paul managed Mullen's Shoe Store until is closed in 1980. He worked in the shoe business until 1992. Paul also volunteered with the Salvation Army and at St. Agnes Church where he served as an usher and brought communion to people in nursing homes.

Paul spent a lot of time at White Potato Lake with his family, enjoying fishing, hiking and the great outdoors. He took great pride in his woodworking talent, handyman skills and also found peace in his work at St. Agnes. Dad had a strong spirit and a gentle soul. Paul leaves those who knew him with memories of a generous, loving person dedicated to his family and community. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.

Friends may call at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1484 Ninth St., from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday. The Memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church with Rev. Richard Getchel officiating. Military honors will conclude the Mass. Inurnment will be at the Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum.

Memorial contributions made to Unity Hospice in Paul's memory are appreciated.

Paul's family wishes to thank the staffs at Unity Hospice and Palliative Care Program and ManorCare Health Service – West for their kindness and support of both Paul and his entire family.