Claire Bauer

Claire Helen Bauer was a long-time resident of Gardnerville, settling here with her husband Peter after his military retirement in 1989.

Claire grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and her love of the Packers grew strong with her! It was there she met the love of her life, Peter. After high school, they were married and she began a nation-wide adventure as a military wife. Along their travels, they had a daughter in Florida, one in California, and the last of the three girls in Washington.

Claire and Peter always made it a priority to get back to Green Bay to spend time with family and the people they loved dearly. Claire loved the great outdoors, going on adventures camping, hiking, and sharing Peter’s love of fishing. Eventually, she became a grandmother of five and had the pleasure of enjoying her great-grandson before she left this earth.

Never one to sit on the sidelines, Claire was always the active participant. Whether playing games with the grandkids, building sand castles on the beach, or wading out in her float tube to fish with Peter, she truly enjoyed life to the fullest. She shared her smile and positive energy with everyone she met.

After her retirement from a fun-filled career as a local school secretary, she spent much of her time with friends playing Bunco, quilting, swimming and exploring the wine country. Additionally, she was passionate about giving her time to her church and volunteered for years at Carson Valley Health, as well as at local schools. Claire died suddenly of an unexpected heart condition on February 19, 2016, at 71 years young.

Her legacy is that of a loving mother, devoted wife, a contagious smile and one to make each experience an adventure. As an additional tribute to their mother, her family set up the Claire H. Bauer Heart of a Volunteer Award to thank those who, like Claire, have a kind, compassionate, and giving heart, and are always willing to lend a hand.