Carol Virginia (Diltz) Bauer

Carol Virginia Diltz Bauer passed away on September14, 2024 at the age of 86.  Carol was born in Mishawaka on October 13, 1937 to the late Plenny C. and Frances (Schmidt) Diltz.

She graduated from Saint Mary Academy of Monroe, Michigan, and then attended Saint Mary-of- the-Woods College, and graduated with a BS in elementary education from Indiana University, Bloomington.  Carol taught kindergarten and 3rd grade at Mary Phillips Elementary in Mishawaka, until retiring to become a full-time mom.  Carol married Jerome Edward Bauer on June 17, 1961 at Saint Monica Catholic Church in Mishawaka.

An avid traveler, Carol visited most parts of the world:  Germany, Austria, Australia, Switzerland, Italy, Mexico, Czeck Republic, Costa Rica, Canada, Iceland, England, Ireland, Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and countless ports of call via cruises with her sister in law Peggy.  Her travel highlight was a recent Rhine River cruise with her daughters.

She was a tireless volunteer, devoting endless hours to Christ Child Society, Little Flower Food Pantry, and Eucharistic Ministry, Funeral Luncheon Committee, Sack Lunch Committee, Parish Council and various ministries over her 53 years as a parishioner of Christ the King Catholic Church.

Being the only daughter, Carol experienced the joy and special bond of sisterhood late in life, thanks to the tremendous welcoming of her widows’ “sister” group.

The end of Carol’s life was full of blessings.  Thanks to the many, many, visitors who spent precious time with her, and a special thanks to her AMAZING caregivers Kiki, Kylee, Lexie, and Faye, who kept her comfortable, safe, and happy, Mary D and Mary F, who took her to daily mass and her special friend Bev, who checked in on her constantly.

Carol is preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Jerome Bauer; brothers, Richard (Helen), Raymond (Monabelle), and James (Emily) Diltz; in-laws, August and Anne Bauer,  Jim and Joann Bauer, Tom Bauer, Ed Bauer, and Eugene and Mary Anne Edmonds; and son-in-law, Todd Basicker.

She is survived by her children: Karen (Darrell) Barnett, Kris Basicker, Kathy (Dan) Greve, and Kevin (Jenna) Bauer, all of South Bend and Kim (Randy) Leffler of Fishers, IN.  She is a beloved grandma to 15 grandchildren:  Matt (Katie) Barnett, Christian (Megan) Leffler, Danny (Katie) Barnett, Kendal (Matt) Speer, Meredith and Aaron Greve, Lauren and Lindsey Basicker, Bella, Lily, Brooks, Jude, Noah, Gianna and Mary Elizabeth Bauer; and 6 great-grandchildren: Natalie, Harper, Lainey, Sam, Ellie Barnett, and Scottie Speer; sisters-in-laws, Peggy and Mako Bauer; and countless nieces and nephews who will remember her with loads of love.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 from 4 pm to 7pm, with the rosary being said at 4 pm at the McGann Hay, Granger Chapel, 13260 SR 23 (Entrance off Cherry Rd.)  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 18th at 11:00am with visitation one-hour prior at Christ the King Catholic Church, 52473 State Road 933, South Bend, IN.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Carol’s name to Christ Child Society of South Bend, Christ the King Catholic Parish, or Caring Cove Hospice.