Craig Anthony Bauer

Dr. Craig Anthony Bauer passed away at his home in Metairie surrounded by his family on Monday evening, August 9, 2021. He was preceeded in death by his parents, Joyce Porretta and Rudolph "Rudy" Bauer, as well as his second oldest brother, Randolph "Randy" Bauer. Craig is survived by his wife of nearly 37 years, Elizabeth "Betsy" Bauer, his daughter, Charlotte Brooks, two stepchildren, Ashley Bryars and Chandler Cole, and four grandchildren, Matthew, Christopher, Zachary, and Nicholas.

Craig was born on May 20, 1947. The third of six siblings, Craig grew up in New Orleans before his growing family moved to the sprawling city of Kenner. As a child, he raised collies, winning numerous ribbons for showing them. In fact, there was rarely a moment where there wasn't dog in Craig's life. His current dog, Zoe, will miss him dearly.

Always interested in education, Craig pursued not one but three degrees: a Bachelor's and Master's from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1970 and 1973, and a Doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1989. His career in teaching spanned decades. He worked in Jefferson Juvenile Services, served as a principal for St. Charles Borromeo, and acted as an adjunct professor before he became a full tenured professor at the University of Holy Cross, formally Our Lady of Holy Cross College. Years after students took his history classes, they would stop him on the street, at the store, or in restaurants to comment on how he made history come alive and what an impact he made in their lives. Craig's knowledge in history was vast, but his primary focuses were on Antebellum Louisiana and the Civil War. In fact, he wrote numerous historical articles in various publications as well as three historical books, all published by ULL Press: A Leader Among Peers: The Life and Times of Duncan Farrar Kenner, Creole Genesis: The Bringier Family and Antebellum Plantation Life in Louisiana, and An Untractable Country: The Story of Kenner. He gave multiple presentations and interviews, and attended many historical conventions. His absence will be their loss.

His hobbies were writing, reading, photography, and increasing his handyman repertoire. There was very little that Craig couldn't fix. Whenever he found out he was missing a skill, he would buy a book or watch a video and learn exactly how to do it. From carpentry to electrical work to plumbing to sheetrock to pool care, Craig was a jack of all trades. His skillset was greatly appreciated by his family after Katrina, as he was able to almost singlehandedly rebuild their damaged home.

Craig will be greatly missed, and the world is a little dimmer without him. As he would say, history is a mosaic made up of many pieces, and each piece makes the picture clearer. Craig was responsible for making those mosaic pieces come alive, turning history into a story. His spirit will live on in all of those whom he has taught.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Craig's love of helping others, donations should be made to St. Jude in his name. Alternatively, read a book, keep up with current events, build something, or get vaccinated, as Craig would have approved of those, too.

Due to current Covid-19 conditions and the Delta strain, the Celebration of Life for Craig Bauer is postponed.

Special thanks to Keith and Judy Bauer, Compassus, and many numerous close friends who have helped the family through this difficult time.