Joseph Eugene Theodore Bauer “Baby Joe” was born on August 24, 1994 in Wolf Point, MT to Edward and Sue Bauer. He grew up all his life in Oswego along with his siblings, Josh, John, Jake and his baby sister Jessie.
Joe attended head start, grade school and part of his high school years in Wolf Point. He played basketball and football for the Wolves, excelling in both. He was also involved in Indian Club.
He transferred to Frazer High School to attend school and also to play basketball and football with his brothers. He and his brothers made up half of the 6-man football team there, which he was proud of. He loved to play sports and always gave it his all.
Joe earned his GED in 2013. He soon went to Billings to attend Billings Trucking school where he earned his CDL. He held other job positions such as Fort Peck Youth Program, HPDP maintenance, Oswego Community Hall maintenance, Buffalo Ranch laborer, ranch hand and most recently roofer, laborer with Probuilders which he was proud to be a part of.
Joe took on the full responsibility of caring for his lil herd and other animals at the family ranch after his father’s passing in October 2020. Although sometimes he struggled without the guidance of his dad, he’d get the job done and what a good job he did! Joe was a dedicated and a very hard worker all his life. He loved to tinker around outside on cars, boats, tractors, RV campers and anything electrical. He was self-taught and a jack of all trades for as young as he was.
He was very persistent and passionate about being there for his family and wasn’t afraid to show his affection towards them. He deeply loved his nieces and nephews, giving them his big bear hugs and kisses spoiling them with treats from the store, taking them fishing, on nature walks or just spending time with them. Joe also loved spending time with his brothers, looking up to them, although his was the youngest of 7 boys he held his ground with them. Tagging along behind them when he was a little boy on their little excursions and exploring. When it was too far for him to go, he’d stand there and say “How bout me?” in his little cute boy voice. He and his little sister Jessie were very close, like any brother and sister growing up they’d have their little arguments, but in the end, they’d be best friends again. When he saw she wasn’t in her room in the morning he’d go to his mom’s room and ask “Where’s Jessie? She okay? Where she at?” He’d be reassured she was fine and he’d go back to his room and go to sleep. Joe also showed his love for his mom, not afraid to call her “Mama” in front of others, standing be her side this past year, being strong and brave consoling her even though he was missing his dad also. That’s the unique person he was, putting others before himself. “OUR GENTLE GIANT’
We would joke around saying he was an old man, driving ever so carefully, sitting watching his old western classics, his History Channel, he’d have a joke or just small talk, always willing to sit and listen. But aside from that he was always on the “go” with an idea or adventure, “a mission” as he would call it.
Joe was very respectful to everyone, had the utmost manners, thoughtful, compassionate, loving and caring. He loved to fish, hunt, star gaze with his telescope, bow hunt, target shoot, draw, paint, listen to all types of music and always willing to learn more.
Joe is preceded in death by his dad Edward Bauer, grandfathers Joseph Bauer and Roy Beauchamp, grandmother Leah Bauer, aunts Barb Grandchamp, JoAnn Bauer, Joyce Bauer, Debra Wright, Tonci Beauchamp and Wendy Beauchamp, uncles Sam Bauer, Chief Beauchamp and John Beauchamp, nephews Briar Bauer and Abner Beauchamp, Jr.
He is survived by his mother Sue Bauer and sister Jessie of the family home, grandmother Vera Beauchamp, brothers Josh (Marcella), John (Thomasine) from Oswego, Jacob (Tiara) of Bozeman, Eddie Jr (Nourah) and Frankie of Wolf Point, Christopher (Carly) of Phoenix, AZ, sisters Stacey (Jeremy) Malvitz, Heather (Frank) Amith all of Green Bay, WI, uncles Joe (Linda) Bauer of Yuciapa, CA, Abner (Bessie) Beauchamp, Leroy (Olivia) Beauchamp of Wolf Point, MT, and Huber (the late Deb) Wright of Oswego, aunts Pat (George) Arthur of Nashua, Kay Bauer of Billings, Judy (Dana) Buckles of Oswego, special nephews Tayven Bauer and Emtre Birdtail and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.