Ralph Richard Bauer, Jr., 79, of Lincoln, died peacefully surrounded by family, Sunday, October 8th, 2023, at Hillcrest Firethorn in Lincoln.

Ralph was born in Lincoln, NE on July 7, 1944, the son of Ralph Richard Bauer, Sr., and Emma (Younker) Bauer. Ralph grew up in Lincoln, graduated from Lincoln High School in 1963, and joined the Army National Guard in 1964 - a year before he married Judith Ann Hevelone in 1965. Their marriage would last the next 58 years. While still in High School, Ralph began sorting mail with the railroad, and in 1965, he continued sorting mail, but now with the US Postal Service in what would become a nearly 44 year long career until his retirement in 2008.

Among his pursuits, Ralph had a passion for hard work and a love for music. His love for music included singing first tenor in choir as well as in a boys octet at Lincoln High School. He was known for his ever-competitive spirit - whether at work, at golf, or a game of cards, he was always competing to be the best. It was arguably hard to find someone as good at country music trivia than Ralph.

After experiencing a significant stroke in 2019, two types of cancer were identified resulting in a need for qualified long term skilled care at Hillcrest Firethorn. Ralph continued his very meaningful stay for 5 years at Hillcrest until his passing.

He is survived by his wife Judith Ann Bauer, three children and their spouses: Amy & Mathew Fudge, Erik & Alicia Bauer, and Melinda Kindall; 10 grandchildren, and sister, Carol Van Amerongen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Richard Bauer, Sr. and Emma (Younker) Bauer, and step-mother Rosie Bauer.