Steven Don “Noogie” Bauer passed away Friday April 17, 2020 at his home surrounded by
family. He was 70 years old.
Steve came into this world on May 21, 1949 in Manning to his parents, Don and Pauline
Bauer. From the beginning he had no plans of slowing down and made sure to enjoy life. He was
proud to say that he “became a husband, a soldier, and a father all inside of a month.” He was
united in marriage to Linda Kasperbauer on March 1, 1969 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in
Dedham. By April 1, 1969 he was in the Army and gave two years of service to his country.
Returning home to Coon Rapids, he went to work for Garst and Thomas Hybrid Corn Company,
in the sign shop painting with Don “Boogie" Bowman. Noogie spent years perfecting his artistry
and learning from Boogie. Even though some think that Steve's nickname came from the paint
shop, "Noogie" was a childhood nickname. There are many memorable times that come from the
paint shop — to some that might be Building 9, the Keister building, the basement of the QA lab
and finally, Building 45. Noogie never backed down from a tough or odd request. He thoroughly
enjoyed turning people’s imaginations into realty. Once he painted flames on a prom dress, and
designed artwork for a good friend’s tombstone. Those are just a couple from a lifetime of happy
customers.
Second only to his family, motorcycles were his passion. He loved to race motocross,
and for a while, racing every Sunday. He enjoyed racing hill climbs and there was even a
memorable trip to the top of the cob pile down by the paint shop. He later traded that in for trips
to the timber for mushroom hunting and asparagus picking. He enjoyed old westerns and the
hero’s that were in them, as he was the hero for his three children. He also enjoyed playing pool,
rum and coke, Marlboro cigarettes, and riding his motorcycle in whichever order that he
preferred.
Steve was an artist, and his greatest masterpiece is his family which he left for us to
enjoy. Steve is survived by his wife, Linda, and their three children. Mark Bauer (Jalayne), Ryan
Bauer, and Sara (Kyler) South, all of Coon Rapids. Five grandchildren: Dylan Heiderscheit,
Emmy Bauer, Ethan Bauer, Summer and Jack South; his father Don Bauer, as well as many
close relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother Pauline Bauer, and four
siblings: Bill Bauer, Debbie Springer, Larry Bauer and Mike Bauer.
Amid the times that we are in, the family will not be holding a funeral. The family will
have a private interment at Orange Township Cemetery. They understand that many of you may
have fond memories as well. If you would like to share them or pictures of his artwork, the
family would love to receive them. You can mail them to 1152 Chestnut Road, Coon Rapids, IA
50058 or email at southsignco@gmail.com
