August Robert Bauer, Jr. M.D.

August Robert Bauer Jr., age 93, passed away on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Bob was born on December 23, 1928, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to August Robert Bauer and Jessie Monie Bauer. He was their only child.  

Bob moved to Detroit, Michigan in July 1930. His father was originally from Detroit and returned to preserve property owned by his family. Bob grew up on the west side of Detroit living on Vernor Highway. He attended Holy Redeemer School, a Catholic school of 800 students, as the only Protestant in the school. These experiences helped shape his confident, determined and disciplined nature.

Bob’s family moved to Rosedale Park in Detroit in 1942. He attended Redford High School completing it in three years, third in his class of 60 students who graduated during the summer session. He entered the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in September 1945 at age 16. Bob joined the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and enjoyed college life. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1949.   

Bob had a strong interest in pursuing medicine as a career. His father was a physician practicing Pediatrics, and Bob found medicine to be fascinating. He attained a master’s degree in Physiology before entering the University of Michigan Medical School. While working on his master’s, he had the opportunity to participate in research and developed a love of the science involved. Bob completed his master’s in one year, while publishing his research work. 

Bob completed medical school in four years, receiving his M.D. degree in 1954. This is the same year when he met his future wife, Charmaine Studer, who was also attending the University of Michigan as an Economics major. Their future together had to wait as he had been commissioned into the Army as a medical officer. He served his medical internship at the Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, DC.  

Upon completion of his medical internship, Bob served as a general medical officer and medical commander with the First Cavalry Division Artillery in Japan for two years. He was a Captain, filling a Major’s position, commanding six officers and 63 men. Bob enjoyed his time in the Army participating in field maneuvers. His commander was General Troxell, who later became the head of the Green Berets. 

Upon completion of his service to the country, Bob returned to marry Charmaine.  They married on June 28, 1957, a 65-year union. He started his residency training program in Surgery shortly thereafter. Bob trained under Robert Zollinger, a renowned surgeon, at Ohio State University.  

Once Bob had completed his residency, he returned with his family to Michigan to pursue private practice. They chose to reside in a smaller town in Michigan, Mount Pleasant. Bob and Char were parents to six children, Bob, John, Bill, Anne, Charles and Jim. Bob’s practice was very successful with him working night and day. He still made time for research and publishing his research.    

Bob was very devoted to his family and an excellent father. He was a strong proponent of education, encouraging his children to obtain solid education. All his children completed bachelor’s degrees with half completing doctoral degrees. Two followed in the footsteps of their father and grandfather as physicians. 

After taking several vacations out west with the family, Bob decided to move the family to Salt Lake City in 1974. He appreciated the safe urban environment and opportunities that the area provided. Bob was a Surgeon at St. Mark’s Hospital on the staff from 1974 to 1990. With his children grown, Bob decided in 1990 to work Locum Tenens (temporary assignments) around the country for the rest of his career. He continued to work until 2013 and maintained his medical licenses until this year. 

Bob is survived by his wife of 65 years, Charmaine; his children John (Melodie), William, Anne Jenkins (Andy), Charles (Elaine) and James (Chija). He was preceded in death by his son Robert (Laurie) and granddaughter Katherine Bauer. Bob is also survived by his grandchildren Thomas Bauer, Michelle Walker (Tad), Ian Bauer, John A. Bauer (Chastine), Henry Bauer (Stephina), Joseph Jenkins (Aiden), Alison Jenkins, Genny Jenkins, Maggie Jenkins, Delenn Bauer, Luisa Bauer, Lucas Bauer as well as six great grandchildren.