Charles Bauer Obituary

Charles “Chuck” Taylor Bauer, affectionately known as “Gramps,” passed away peacefully at the age of 94 in Denver, Colorado on September 25, 2025.

Born on November 15, 1930, in Salem, Oregon, Chuck was the son of Charles Henry Bauer and Helen Jean (Ketchum) Bauer and the brother of Mary Alice (Bauer) Sawyer.

Chuck graduated from East High School in 1948, where he met his high school sweetheart, Muriel Scott Baker. The two married in March 1951, and built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and family - a legacy that will carry on for generations. Chuck lost Muriel to lung cancer in 2009, and after sixteen years apart, they are finally together again.

Chuck graduated from the University of Denver in 1954 and was a true businessman at heart. Over the years, among other endeavors, he owned Elves Toyland, a toy and hobby store, became a successful investor, and served for many years on the board of directors for Mountain States Bank. He was also a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and a longtime member of Kiwanis.

Those who knew Chuck will remember him for his generous spirit, his fierce loyalty, and his deep love for his family. He was happiest with a Wall Street Journal in hand, a Broncos game on the TV, and a good book nearby. Some of his favorite days were spent in Evergreen, Colorado, where he and Muriel spent their summers at their family cabin surrounded by the mountains and the people they loved. The two also enjoyed many rounds of golf together, both at home and during their travels. Back home in southeast Denver, Chuck lived in the same house for 66 years and took great pride in caring for the yard, a reflection of his steady, devoted nature. In his final years, Chuck loved nothing more than joining his family for a beer at a local brewery.

Chuck is survived by his four children, Nancy (Dan) Buschbach, Doug (Laurie) Bauer, Katie (Dan) Moeller, and Andy (Cathy) Bauer; eight grandchildren, Sarah (Brandon) Vogt, Kristi (Ryan) Napier, Kelly (Josh) Leyk, Scott (Audrey) Bauer, Cindy Bastron (Andres Pardo), Will (Amber) Bauer, Taylor (Mica) Mendez Bauer, and Emily Bauer; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Muriel and his grandson Timothy Charles Bauer.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Horan & McConaty (5303 E County Line Rd, Centennial, CO 80122).

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Chuck’s lifelong commitment to blood donation, please consider a gift to the Children's Hospital Colorado Blood Donor Center.  When donating, please notate "Blood Donor Center" in the donation instructions. 

After a long, full life, Chuck has joined his beloved Muriel once again - the love of his life, and the center of his world.