Donald "Don" Bauder

Brother, Father, Grandfather, Friend Donald Bauder, 78, passed away on January 23, 2026, fittingly peaceful with two of his three daughters by his side and his favorite Neil Diamond music playing in his Newburgh, Indiana room.

Don was born on October 7, 1947, in Newark, New Jersey to Burton and Pauline (Cunningham) Bauder. The family later moved to Darien, Connecticut, where he and his two brothers and sister grew up. After graduating from Darien High School, his cherished Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana lured him away from his East Coast roots. Go Bulldogs!

In 1967, Don married Kathleen Rooney and together they had daughters Kara (Pete) Winton and Kelly Bauder. Then in 1982, he married Susie Fritchley and together they had daughter Abby (Milan) Maravich. The marriage also made Don a stepfather to Matt, Joel and James (Shelly) Ruedlinger.

Don’s proudest title was ‘Grampa’ to grandchildren Adam (Paige) Winton, Amber Winton, Spencer Short, Celia Short, Alix Maravich, Zach Maravich, Judge Maravich and Preston Maravich, as well as step-grandchildren Eli and Emma Ruedlinger.

Don’s parents preceded him in death. He is survived by brother Tom (Carol) Bauder, sister Jane (Wally) Reinecke, brother David (Rachel) Bauder, his three daughters, two sons-in-laws, three stepsons, eight grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Don leveraged his Butler degree to build a successful career in the Indianapolis business community. He first specialized in retail management with Paul Harris and Lazarus and then went on to a lengthy stretch in management with Walker Research. Don also was proud of his simultaneous political career, which included 20 years as president of the Pike Township Advisory Board. Later, he established a successful resume writing business, supporting countless clients with their own careers. In 2021, Don moved to Newburgh, Indiana, where he enjoyed retirement.

As anyone who knew him can attest, Don was steadfast in everything he did, likely the result of both a strong work ethic and a lifelong battle with Still’s disease. He endured numerous joint replacement surgeries and near constant pain but got a chuckle out of setting off metal detectors at airports. His doctors always lauded his determination and often unexplainable ability to defy the odds.

Some of Don’s favorite things to do included boating and spending time at his daughter’s lake house on Kentucky Lake, keeping up with local and national politics, listening to 60s music, spending time with friends and Sigma Nu brothers, cheering on the Butler Bulldogs and Indianapolis Colts and traveling with his grandkids to places like Disney World, Las Vegas, West Palm Beach, Hawaii and the Grand Canyon.

Among the many things he valued, was always being on time wherever he went (which meant being at least 15 minutes early), the amazing doctors at the Mayo Clinic who saved his life on multiple occasions and precious family time.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, Indiana, with Jordan Duncan officiating. Burial will be private.

Friends may visit from 11:00 AM until the time of service on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel.

A Live Stream will be available beginning twenty minutes prior to the service time. Please visit www.boonefuneralhome.net, select Donald’s obituary, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click Live Stream.

Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN, is handling the arrangements and is honored to serve the family of Donald Bauder.

Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

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