Richard Michael Bauer, 51, Princeton

June 15, 1965 - December 6, 2016

Richard Michael Bauer, age 51, of Princeton, MN, passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2016, at his home.

Rich was born on June 15, 1965, to Richard and Dianne (Nye) Bauer in Minneapolis, MN. He grew up in Shoreview, MN, and graduated from Mounds View High School, class of 1983. He married Melissa Meyer on May 19, 1991. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary this year.

Rich enjoyed spending time outdoors, fishing at the family cabin and hunting at the goose farm. He had a passion for gardening, especially planting and nurturing trees. Rich had a special place in his heart for animals, including birds and the backyard squirrel, Nancy. But dogs, by far, were his favorite animal. Every dog he had was devoted to him, and he to them. Rich, an avid reader, closed each day reading the Bible with his dog by his side.

He is survived by his wife, Melissa (Meyer) Bauer; children, Noelle Bauer of Minneapolis, Noah (Courtney) Bauer of Princeton, and Nevynn Bauer (fiancé Kenneth Iverson) of Princeton; father, Richard (Donna) Bauer of Shoreview; sister, Deborah (Robert) Everett of Mounds View; and brother, Daniel (Beverly) Bauer of Portland, OR; parents-in-law, Neal and Lucy Meyer of Shoreview; sisters-in-law, Marni (Jim) Kaufer of Centerville, and Tina (Chad) Attlesey of Oronoco; nieces, Karissa Kaufer and Marlee Everett; nephews, Ryan Kaufer, Luke and John Attlesey, and Mason Bauer; along with many relatives, friends and his beloved dog, Remi.

Preceded in death by his mother, Dianne Bauer; grandparents, William and Irene Bauer, and Albin and Kathryne Nye; uncle John King; and cousin Cyndi (King) Gross.

Visitation is 6-8 p.m. (prayer service at 7:30 p.m.), Monday, December 12, 2016, at New Life Church, 2061 100th Ave., Princeton, MN.

Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. (visitation 10-10:30 a.m.), Tuesday, December 13, 2016, at New Life Church. Luncheon reception to follow.

Interment, 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 13, 2016, at Incarnation Cemetery, Lino Lakes, MN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the family.