Merlyn Raymond Bauder

Merlyn Raymond Bauder, 88, Johnson City, passed away Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at Johnson City Medical Center. Merlyn was a long time retired resident of Johnson City. He was the son of the late Albert and Katie Bauder of Ellendale, North Dakota. Merlyn graduated from Ellendale High School where he lettered in football and was first in his class. He graduated from Ellendale Normal College with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. He was NCO in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He then obtained his Master in Arts degree from the University of Wyoming in Theatre Arts. He taught English, Theatre Arts and Speech at Grand Rapids, Minnesota High School for the majority of his career. He coached Debate and Speech. He was the coach of a national speech champion. He was also recognized as Minnesota Debate Coach of the Year. He was a well-known director of many successful Grand Rapids Community Theatre productions, including: Tea House of the August Moon, Harvey, Solid Gold Cadillac, The Moon is Blue and Our Town, just to name a few. After he retired, his favorite past time was playing golf and traveling. In addition to his parents, Merlyn was preceded in death by: his wife, Margaret Ann Slemmons Bauder; and one brother, Orson Bauder of Davenport, Iowa. Survivors include: his two daughters, Dorsey Heithaus and her husband Greg and Debra Bauder; one son, Mark Eliot Bauder and his wife Martha; one brother, Albert Bauder; six grandchildren, Adam Bauder, Daniel Bauder, Jeffrey Heithaus, Kate Bauder, Margaret Lynn Heithaus and Cera Nea Bauder; and two great grand daughters, Nea Jo Waltert and Bellamy Jean Bauder; and beloved caregiver Crystal Gamble. A memorial service for Merlyn Raymond Bauder will be conducted at 3 PM Tuesday February 13, 2018, at Morris-Baker Funeral Home with Mr. Don McCann officiating. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.