Alfred “Al” Bauer Jr. devoted more than 60 years of his life to the newspaper industry — guiding the Bloomer Advance from a time when a chicken paid for a subscription to the computer age.
Bauer began his work at the Advance in 1947, and would eventually have a hand in all of the challenges the newspaper business has to offer. As editor, he covered the school, community and sports. He believed in the power of the pen, and shared his wit and sense of humor through his “Blooms in Bloomer” column.
For years he instilled a strong work ethic in all of his employees, allowing them to make decisions and take an active role in the production of the Bloomer Advance, former employee Kelly Schmidt said in nominating Bauer to the Hall of Fame. “Leading by example, he taught customer service and community service like they were one and the same.”
When Bauer wasn’t working at the newspaper he was involved in the community. He belonged to nearly every civic organization in town, trying to make Bloomer a better place to live, work, play and raise a family.
Bauer was 77 years old when he died Feb. 20, 2007, leaving behind Alice, his wife of 58 years, and three children.
