Edward Bauer
Edward Grant Bauer, TaOwade Kude, “Shoots His Lightning” (Old soul warrior who used his voice instead of weapons for His people), 69, of Oswego died Oct. 24, 2020.
He was born on Jan. 23, 1951, in Poplar to Joseph and Leah (Funk) Bauer. His saying was “I’m a seventh son of a seventh son.” He grew up in Oswego with his siblings, Joan (died in infancy), Barbara, Patricia, Debra, Joyce and Judy.
He attended school in Frazer, excelling in basketball, track and cross country. He later received his GED, then enrolled in Northern Montana College in Havre. At Northern, he helped organize and participate in the Indian Club. He also played on the “Golden” Independent team, traveling all over to play in tournaments.
He met Ellen Fyfe in 1969 and married in 1970. To this union, Christopher, Stacey and Heather were born. They later divorced, but remained friends.
He took a few years off from college to help the family with the farming and ranching. He loved animals. He returned to college and graduated in 1981 with a bachelors in education. He taught in Frazer, coaching basketball and assisting in cross country.
He met Joni McClammy and they married in November 1978. To this union, Eddie II and Francis were born. They later divorced, but remained friends.
He and Sue met in 1986 and married on Oct. 2, 1998. They had four sons, Joshua, John, Jacob and Joseph, and their much-awaited daughter, Jessie. They supported and enjoyed all their children’s activities and sports.
He took pride in the Old Bauer place in Culbertson. Every spring, he cut grass and pulled weeds at the homestead. He enjoyed traveling, reading, hunting, fishing, gardening and cutting wood. He knew the names of all the trees, grasses and plants. He loved to bake.
Throughout his life, he held many jobs and positions. He worked at the City of Wolf Point, planning for the Tribes and Fort Peck Tribes Housing. He was director of Sexual Abuse Program, director of Housing Improvement Program, chairman of Frazer School board. He was involved in Oswego Community Organization. He was a Fish and Game commissioner, Housing commissioner and served on the Fort Peck Water board, Fort Peck Community College board and HPDP board.
The most important board he was proud of was sitting on the Fort Peck Tribal Council. He was elected for three consecutive terms. A few of the accomplishments while on the board included going to D.C. to negotiate the Cobell/ Salazar settlement, the wellness center in Poplar and the new community hall in Wolf Point.
Upon retirement in 2019, he focused on his cattle ranch and farm and his duties at the complex. He was very independent, seldom asking for physical help.
He is survived by his wife, Sue; children, Chris of Ahwatukee, Ariz., Stacey Malvitz of Green Bay, Wis., Heather Snith of Oneida, Wis., Eddie and Frankie, both of Wolf Point, Joshua and John, both of Oswego, Jacob of Bozeman, Joseph and Jessica, both of Oswego; 18 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and siblings, Pat Arthur, Deb Wright, Judy Buckles, Katie and Joe Bauer.
His funeral service was held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. Interment was at Oswego Presbyterian Cemetery under the direction of Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel.
