LeRoy “Lee” Wayne Bauer, Ph.D. October 8, 1941 – September 26, 2026

Our beloved husband, dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, LeRoy “Lee” Wayne Bauer, passed away on September 26, 2026, at the age of 84.

Lee was born on October 8, 1941, in Rapid City, South Dakota, to Anna Catherine Stella Giles and Clifford Wayne Bauer. Over the years, he made his home in South Dakota, Idaho, Washington, and Arizona. Wherever he lived, he made lasting friendships and contributions to his community.

The most important chapter of Dad’s life began when he met Shirley at Black Hills State College. They married on August 22, 1964, and were by each other’s side ever since. They shared a profound love affair for more than 62 years. Mom always said she was honored to be his wife. To us, they were Mom and Dad, and the life they built together was the foundation of our family. Together, they raised four daughters: Lee Anna, Andrena, Kristina, and Shawnna. Along the way, Dad gained wonderful sons-in-law who became a much-loved part of our family.

Dad’s family meant everything to him. His greatest joy came from his nine grandchildren—Jaycie, Matthew, Olivia, Hanna, Lexi, Zack, Katherine, Gracie, and Sam, and his three great-grandchildren—Charlie, Paityn, and Blair. Being together as a family was what mattered most to him, and those times mean more to us now than ever. Thank you, Dad, for being a wonderful and supportive father and grandfather and for always putting our family first and being our guiding light throughout the years.

Dad was a man of few words, but to know him was to love him. He held on to his friendships, staying close to people he had known in high school and college and to colleagues from his years in Washington and Idaho. Many of those friendships lasted for decades, and they meant so much to him.

He enjoyed hunting, hiking, traveling, and reading. He especially loved cross-country road trips and dragging his daughters to every museum along the way—although, to his credit, he took us to Disneyland and Disney World, too. He also loved crossword puzzles, collecting watches, going to the movies, and taking Sunday drives through the Black Hills and the used car lots.

Dad devoted much of his life to public education. He earned his Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Idaho. Over his career, he served as a teacher and counselor in South Dakota and Idaho, a principal and superintendent in Idaho and Washington, and assistant superintendent for an Educational Service District in Washington. He taught doctoral courses at Gonzaga University and Washington State University, sharing his experience with future school leaders.

He also oversaw one of the first and largest nationwide distance-learning programs in the country, greatly expanding educational opportunities for students everywhere. In more recent years, as a small-business owner, he led the educational-services division of E-Rate & Educational Services, LLC, helping school districts solve problems and support their leaders. He and Mom served as Superintendents of neighboring school districts and were proud of their joint effort in advocating for a local high school helping bring Wahluke High School to the Mattawa community.

We are proud of the work Dad did and the people he helped. We will miss him most in the everyday moments: spending time together, going to a movie, taking a drive, or simply having him there for wisdom and advice. We are grateful for the years we had with him, for his undying love for Mom, and for the family they gave us. We love you, Dad.