Stacey Lee Bauer, age 57, passed away at home on November 23, 2023, after a one-and-a-half-year battle with brain cancer.

Stacey was born in Eureka, SD, to Jerry and Barbara (Kurle) Bauer on November 10, 1966. He grew up on the family farm along with his four brothers. Through this "farm life" he developed a strong, never quit and never-settle work ethic, an appreciation for the priorities in life, and a fierce love and devotion to family, a trait he carried with him the rest of his life.

Following high school, Stacey attended South Dakota State University and completed degrees in graphic design and biology education. During his first year at SDSU, Stacey met his true love and soul mate, Theresa (Tracy) Young. Upon graduation, they were married on July 6, 1991, and spent the first two years of married life in Custer, SD, where Stacey taught middle school science and coached football, volleyball, and track.

Stacey, Tracy, and their oldest son of three weeks, Austin, moved to Owatonna, MN, in 1993. They added to their family with the birth of Chandler and Logan. Stacey enjoyed being close to his favorite Minnesota professional sports teams, the Vikings, and the Twins. As much as he enjoyed watching sports, he loved playing even more. He was an avid runner and volleyball player taking pride in being the shortest player on the court with the biggest vertical.

Stacey carried his coaching skills to Owatonna as youth sports coach for all three of his sons' sports teams. He also blessed the athletes serving the Special Olympics program for many years. He loved cheering for his boys in their school sports and activities. There was no prouder fan of Austin, Chandler, and Logan, and the men they have become.

Stacey began his successful career as a computer programmer at Federated Insurance Company in Owatonna in 1994, becoming a Lead Trainer in the Information Services Department for most of his career. His passion and natural ability to teach, along with his desire to help people reach their full potential, combined to benefit many at Federated. Stacey retired from Federated on his 56th birthday in 2022.

Stacey's true calling was working with youth and sharing his passion and love for Jesus Christ, his Savior.  To this end, he volunteered as a mentor and youth leader for the three churches he attended over the years. He spent many hours driving passenger vans full of youth on mission trips, teaching them how to love others, love themselves, and most of all, love Jesus.

Stacey was also a strong and gifted leader at church and in the community; he volunteered on multiple committees and organizations. Stacey touched the hearts of many as he led a life of selflessness and generosity. He was a bright light that will continue to shine upon all who knew him.

After 30 years in Owatonna, Stacey and Tracy retired back to Custer, SD, to enjoy God's beauty in the Black Hills. While his retirement was cut short, Stacey and Tracy checked many items off their "Black Hills Bucket List."  He will be deeply missed by the many friends he made along his earthly journey.

Grateful for having shared Stacey's life are his wife of 32 years, Tracy; three sons, Austin of Sioux Falls, SD, Chandler of Rapid City, SD and Logan of Custer, SD; father Jerry of Eureka, SD; four brothers Brian (Tammy) of Douglasville, GA, Eric (Rachel) of Volga, SD, Matthew (Jenni) of Pierre, SD and Jordan (Jackie) of Sioux Falls, SD; many in-laws, nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents and his mother Barbara.

Memorials are requested to Autism Speaks (autismspeaks.org), Special Olympics and donor's choice of youth ministry organization.

Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 1, 2023, at Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Custer, SD.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Custer Lutheran Fellowship in Custer, SD with committal services following at Custer Cemetery.

There will be a celebration of Stacey's life in Owatonna, MN in the Spring of 2024.