Father Roy Bauer, 83, priest and long time pastor of St. Peter’s Church in Quincy, went to his eternal home in heaven at 10:12 PM on Friday April 21, 2017 in Blessing Hospital.

Father Roy was born in Quincy on March 27, 1934, the son of Albert and Irene (Hummel) Bauer. As a child, he attended St Francis Grade School.

At age 13, he felt the calling to become a priest, and left to attend St Henry Preparatory Seminary in Belleville, Illinois, where he spent his high school years. After high school he spent two years studying at the Diocesan Latin School in Old Berlin. Then he completed his education with six years of theology at St Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelien.

As a newly ordained priest he first served as a parochial vicar at Blessed Sacrament Church in Springfield then continued the same ministry at St Thomas Church in Decatur, then four years later at St Anthony
Church in Effingham. After that he was appointed pastor at St Norbert’s Church in Hardin and at the same time served as pastor to three other parishes in Calhoun County at the same time. St Anselm in Kampsville, St Michael’s in Michael, and St Agnes in Bellview.

His final assignment before retirement was coming back home to Quincy in 1985 as the pastor of St Peter’s Church, where he stayed for about twenty years.

In the bicentennial year of 1976, Father Roy put together a trip to Washington DC for eighth grade students in Calhoun County. These trips were known to be a great learning experience. After being transferred to Quincy, he continued the trips with the St. Peter’s eighth grade class. He had continued to make the trip for 40 years. The adult chaperones on the trip were often as impressed as the students with the knowledge they gained with him as their guide. He made an impact on the lives of around 2000 people that enjoyed this trip with him.
Father Roy was quite a historian, and has put together many records of the history of the Springfield Diocese, and the Catholic Church in the Quincy area.

After retirement he continued to work. He was a chaplain on cruise ships, and he also helped cover other priests when they were away from their parish. He taught religion classes, and he continued to research and write about the local Catholic history. He was quite involved in finding facts to promote the canonization of Father Gus Tolton, the first black priest in the United States, ordained in 1886, who was a priest at St Peters and is buried in Quincy. One book written by Father Bauer was “They called him Father Gus”, the story of Father Tolton’s life.
Father Roy was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Milt Bauer along with his wife Ruth, and one sister, Rita Hull.

Father is survived by one brother, Leo (Mary) Bauer of Fowler. He is also survived by nephews and nieces, Dan Bauer, Jim (Margaret) Bauer, Paul Bauer, Terry (Becky) Bauer, Dave(Patty) Bauer, Kathy (Steve)Boll, Pat (Ross) Glidewell, Karen Bauer, Cindy Cobb, Chris Hull, and Jennifer (Tod) Cunningham, all of Quincy. Also Suzi ( Dominic ) Lacich, Columbus Ohio, Zack (Chantelle)Hull, Odessa Missouri and Tom Hull, Austin Texas. Also many great nephews and nieces.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 11:00 AM in the Church of St. Peter. Interment in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday evening from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Church of St. Peter. In lieu of flowers or other memorials, Masses are requested. The Mass Stipends will be given to retired priests and priests serving in the mission fields. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.