Robert Eldin Bauer September 7, 1952 - May 5, 2023

by Merced Sun Star on May 14, 2023

Snelling, California - Robert Eldin Bauer of Snelling California, passed away on May 5th due to complications from a stroke and cardiac event he suffered in the fall of 2021. He was 70 years old.

Robert was born on September 7th 1952 to Charles and Shirley Bauer in Ceres. He grew up in the foothills of Snelling where he spent his childhood fishing, hunting, and working on his family's turkey farm alongside his siblings Debbie, Lisa, Bart, and Mark. Bobby (as his mother called him) attended Snelling Merced Falls Elementary School and graduated from

Merced High School in 1970.

After high school, Bob became a firefighter for the California Forestry Service and played baseball for Merced Community College. He eventually met his wife Aleta Kathleen Broddrick at a local party and quickly fell in love. They were married in June of 1973 and attended college together before returning to Snelling and to the Bauer family poultry business in 1976.

Over many happy decades, Bob and Aleta ran a successful turkey ranch on Keyes Road, raised two children; Aaron and Tyler, and built a grand house on a hill that they filled with their family and friends. As a proud member of the Snelling Community, Robert served as a tireless volunteer fireman, helped facilitate numerous homecoming banquets, community events, baseball games, and church services. He was a dedicated custodian of Snelling's history, welcomed his neighbors into his home, and was elected by his peers to serve on the Snelling School Board for 38 years.

Robert returned to higher education in his 40's and eventually graduated with a Masters Degree from Stanislaus State College. His research led to the discovery of a site made famous by the American naturalist John Muir. Bob worked as research director for Merced Community College and for various Merced community non-profits like Healthy House and United Way. Bob and Aleta attended Central Presbyterian Church in Merced for many years and were active members of small groups and large gatherings.

When Aleta was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2011, Bob devoted himself to his wife's care and comfort until her death in 2016. He found new love and new energy in the arms of Glenda Babbitt of Orland, California, a fellow farmer who had lost her husband to illness years before. Bob and Glenda married in 2017, with all four of their parents participating in the ceremony.

Bob is survived by his wife Glenda, his sons, and his four grandchildren, Eldin, Annaleigh, Barrett, and Abigail. He will be remembered for his goofy charm, his steadfast loyalty and devotion to his friends and family, his deep faith, his curious mind, and his endless capacity to wonder, laugh, and love.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Merced United Way.