- Date Of Death: March 2, 2020
- State: Maryland
On March 2, 2020 Siegfried Franz Xavier Bauer went to meet his savior at age 82.
Siegfried immigrated to America when he was just fourteen years old and settled in New Jersey with his family. He developed a love for cooking during his early years in the U.S. by helping his aunt and uncle with their hotel and steakhouse. Siegfried then became a U.S. citizen and joined the army, earning the rank of Captain. He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York on academic and ROTC scholarship where he played soccer, wrestled, and was president of his fraternity, Sigma Chi. Siegfried went on to earn his master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh while he concurrently served in the US National Guard as a battalion captain. His work accomplishments include collaboration on a nuclear breeder reactor design, nuclear submarine engineering, along with many other defense related initiatives. He had many successes in his young life but his acute appendicitis that brought him to an Emergency Room in Lima, Ohio is the event that changed his life forever. Marcia Hahn, a newly registered nurse, treated Siegfried during his stay in the emergency room and they quickly fell in love and married 6 months later in July of 1962. The newlyweds moved to Western Pennsylvania where they raised their 4 daughters, giving them authentic German names, tying the girls to their father’s heritage. Siegfried was the most loving and caring father to his girls and even built hope chests for all 4 of his daughters as he was enjoying one of his favorite hobbies, woodworking. The Bauer family later moved to Severna Park, Maryland in 1983. After a long and successful career, Siegfried retired from engineering in 2004. Post-retirement, he managed finances for the family business, The Peartree House Assisted Living in Pasadena, Maryland further exemplifying his work ethic and love for his family. Siegfried was lovingly called Opa by all of his 13 grandchildren and his family was his greatest joy. His exuberant laugh was one of a kind. He developed a love for bird watching and was an extremely optimistic Orioles fan. Siegfried embodied love and goodness and made a lasting impression on everyone he met; he will forever be with us in our hearts. Let us all keep his spirit with us by laughing a little bit louder, hugging a little tighter, and being loving and kind to everyone we meet.
Siegfried Franz Xavier Bauer was the beloved husband of 57 years to Marcia Bauer (nee Hahn) and was the devoted father of Heidi Hobert and husband Eric, Gretchen Leimbach and husband Peter, Inger Burnett and husband Mike, and Katrina Bauer. Siegfried was the loving Opa of Kathryn, Nathaniel, Nicholas, Peter, Michael, Eva, Arianna, Alex, Emily, Hannah, Jack, Timothy, and Elijah. Siegfried was the dear brother of Linda Antoni, Richard Bauer, and Gloria “Mucky” Mitchell
