Mark L. Bauer, 64, of Wolcott, passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday November 26, 2025, at Franciscan Health East of Lafayette.

Mark was born February 16, 1961, in Lafayette to Marlene (Austin) Bauer and the late Brayton L. Bauer. Mark attended Cass Lake High School in Minnesota.

He served in the United States Army as a mechanic until his honorable discharge. He married the love of his life on Thanksgiving Day in 2001 in his favorite spot, the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Mark had four loves of his life, his wife Kelly, his children and grandchildren, his semi, and fine bourbon.

He owned and operated his own trucking business for several years, RL Hauling Inc. As his semi stated on the back of the sleeper “Pride & Family”, Mark loved his family. From taking off summers to stay home with the kids to almost never missing their sporting events, he was so proud of them.

Mark loved talking trucks, camping with family and friends, collecting bourbon, family vacations in Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge, eating out every Friday night with the Bicks, and traveling with Kelly on work trips. Most of all Mark cherished time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Surviving along with his wife Kelly of 24 years are their children, Alex (Jake) Hurst and J.T. (Maggie) Sipkema. Grandchildren, Wyatt Hurst, Mason Sipkema, and one on the way, Beckett Hurst. Mark is also survived by his mother, Marlene Bauer and sister, Hope Main.

Preceding him in death along with his father, Brayton L. Bauer are two brothers, Thomas and Charles Bauer.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 – 4:00 PM (EST) on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Wolcott park Community Building (203 Blake St, Wolcott, IN 47995).

Memorial contributions may be directed in memory of Mark to St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund.