Obituary of Thomas K Bauer

Thomas Kerry Bauer, 81, of Iowa City, died May 4, 2025, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics after a short illness. 

Funeral services will be held at 10am Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church in Iowa City, followed by a reception at the church. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 9th from 4 to 7 pm at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City.

Thomas Bauer was born January 13, 1944, in Washington, Iowa the son of  Frances Agnes (Kleese) Bauer and Eldin Charles Bauer.  He attended West Chester Consolidated Schools and graduated from Mid-Prairie Community High School . Tom then attended the University of Iowa where he received B.A. and M.A. degrees.  On October 2, 1965, Tom was united in marriage to Sandra Petersen at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Iowa City.

In 1966, Tom joined the news staff of WHBF AM/FM/TV in Rock Island, moved to WMT AM/FM/TV in Cedar Rapids, and then in 1971, began 38 years of University of Iowa service with the Journalism faculty, University Relations and Research Park.

Tom’s UI service included participating in economic development, the Administrative Liaison Group, Public Information Committee, WSUI/KSUI Advisory Committee and Board in Control of Athletics.

Tom’s wife Sandy and sons, Brett and Bryan and their families brought him great joy and  pride.  Tom often wondered what he had done to deserve such a long, happy and rewarding life filled with loving family and so many dear friends.

In addition to strong family relationships, Tom enjoyed the influence of many outstanding mentors, teachers, coaches, teammates and colleagues.  Although a resident of Coralville and Iowa City most of his adult life, Tom’s roots remained anchored in his hometown of West Chester, Iowa.

He was especially proud of his British and German heritage, the Isaac Kleese and Johann Jacob Bauer families.

Tom loved the outdoors, especially when crisp autumn air signaled the approaching harvest, Friday Night Lights, Hawkeye Football and his beloved St. Louis Cardinals in another World Series.

He had an insatiable appetite for news and public affairs, believed in personal responsibility and loved to discuss current events, issues and Hawkeye season prospects.

Tom is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sandra; son Brett (Laura) and granddaughter Kayleigh Bauer and great-grandson Cooper Girvan; son Bryan (Tara) and grandsons Andrew Bauer and Alec Bauer; brother Charles (Shirley, dec’d) Bauer; and many nieces and nephews. Tom is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Sharon Campbell, Shirley Kemp, Shiela Petersen, Sharece Klimek, Sharla Ries, Suzanne Anderson, Shalain Sisco and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Sandra and brother-in-law, Sheldon Kongable and his mother-in-law, Bernice Petersen and father-in-law, Cecil Petersen.

Memorials may be made to UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Iowa City Hospice, West Chester Heritage Association or West Chester United Methodist Church.