Danny Leonard Bauer

Danny Leonard Bauer was born on March 26, 1949, the only child of Leonard and Audrey Dee Swaner Bauer. He passed away quietly and calmly at the University of Utah hospital on February 23rd, 2024 after being surrounded by loving family and friends for several days.

Dan was born in Murray, Utah on a blustery, snowy day. His parents often discussed how Dan was the “smartest cookie” they had ever met! Growing up, Dan was also cherished by his extended family, especially his Aunt June and Uncle Slim. Dan attended Cyprus High School before studying Geology at Weber State University. He eventually received a Master’s degree in Metallurgy from the University of Utah. Dan also served in the army reserves during the Vietnam War.

Dan met the love of his life, Connie Lyn Schultz, in 1972 on a blind date that was set up by his lifelong friend David Whittle. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married in the Salt Lake City Temple on August 2, 1974.

Dan and Connie couldn't wait to start a family of their own and their children meant the world to them. Dirk Conlin was born in 1975, Tyson Leonard in 1977, and Clint George in 1980. In 2002, Dan inherited a daughter, Kamille Lynn Vance, when she married Clint. Dan cherished her as one of his own.

Though he loved hunting, fishing, and reading about new scientific discoveries, Dan’s favorite role was that of a grandparent to Neiska, Gunner, Wyatt, and Kathryn. He treasured his time with his grandkids and loved listening to their stories, going fishing with them, giving them advice, and traveling to Disneyland with them.

Dan had a variety of jobs throughout his life and was a thoughtful, kind leader in his jobs at Texas Gulf Potash in Moab, Utah and later at Akzo Nobel and Cargill Salt in Tooele County Utah. He later worked as the Science Advisor to Governor Leavitt before retiring to enjoy life with his already-retired wife Connie. Dan taught as an adjunct professor of Geology and other sciences throughout his life and even in “retirement” at the Moab and Tooele extensions of Utah State University — where he was famous for taking students on field trips near Delta, Utah to look for trilobites. Dan served in his community by coaching several community league baseball and football teams.

Dan will always be remembered for his kind heart, logical, down-to-earth advice, and the way that he always found clever ways to insert humor into any situation. Dan was known for his many “Danny-isms” such as “If you don’t want a speeding ticket, be the third fastest car on the road” and “Never make a decision at night - things will look better in the morning.” Dan was the epitome of a kind and fair patriarch by always keeping the needs of his family and friends at the top of his priority list. We couldn’t have asked for a better spouse, father, and grandfather, and we will miss him every day. Dan’s jokes, advice, and generosity will live on in the memories and hearts of all those who loved him.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Audrey, as well as his son Clint, and is survived by his wife Connie, his sons Dirk & Tyson, his daughter Kamille and bonus son in law Todd, and his grandchildren Neiska, Gunner, Wyatt, & Kathryn.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, March 1, 20204 at 11:00 am at Larkin Sunset Gardens (1950 E 10600 S). The family will receive friends at a viewing on Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service at Larkin Sunset Gardens. Interment: Valley View Memorial Park.

The service will be available to watch online through Zoom using the “Watch Service” button above.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending memorial funds which will be used toward his final expenses at https://gofund.me/9bbc5b2c.