William Fred Bausch (Bill) passed away on May 13, 2022, after a brief illness. Bill was 83 years old.
Family first…something Bill modeled every day. His strong work ethic, values, and support grounded and guided his family. There was never a sporting event to be missed to cheer on the budding athletes. Countless hours of teaching fishing and appreciation of nature with kids and grandkids – all with abundant patience. Instilling the passions of the simple things in life like cooking a hot dog over a campfire, going for a wildlife ride, or reading a good book, will never be forgotten.
Bill was born in Helena, MT on September 13, 1938, to William C. and Ella Bausch. Bill was raised in Helena and attended Jefferson Elementary and Central School before graduating from Helena High School in 1955.
After graduating from high school, Bill attended Carroll College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in history in 1961. He also attended Montana State University and earned his bachelor’s degree in English in 1964.
Bill met his future wife Rose at a dance in February 1958 and were married on November 2, 1958, at St. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena. They were married for 59 amazing years, raising 3 children, and several beloved pets.
Bill’s passion for teaching English and History lasted 33 years. He taught high school in Glasgow, MT and Vernal, UT before moving back to Helena in 1967, where he taught at Helena High School before retiring in 1994. Bill also taught Drivers Education for 34 years.
Bill is survived by his children, Chris (Joy) Bausch of Livingston, Paul (Lora Johnson) Bausch of Helena, Valerie (Laura Woodward) Bausch of Woodbury, MN; grandchildren, Angela (Gordie) Koloski of Gillette, WY, Christine Bausch of Bozeman, Jacob (Mindy) Bausch of Laurel, Veronica (Kenya) Abubakari of West Valley City, UT, Olivia (Tristan) Jenks of Billings; 11 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; and close family Buzz (Pam) Fleisner and Ron (Tana) Fleisner of East Helena.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Rose; parents William C and Ella; and sister Verla Dailey.
A private, family gathering is planned at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604. We are not mourning his passing, but rather celebrating and remembering an amazing husband, father, and papa who was always there to support his family.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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John Poppe says
Chris, Paul, And Val, I’m So Sorry To Hear Of Your Dad’s Passing, He Was Such A Great Guy! He Is Reunited With Your Mom Now In God’s Glorious Kingdom, Take Solice In Knowing that We Will All Be Reunited Someday With Our Loved Ones Never To Lose Them Again.
Steve Armstrong says
Bill was one of the good guys at Helena High, a teacher with integrity who cared deeply for his students. My time at HHS was short (15 years) compared to other teachers, yet Bill treated me as though I had been at the school from the time he and others arrived there. I have great memories of Bill as a colleague. We left Helena the year before Bill’s retirement, so we lost track of him over these many years. My sympathies to Bill’s children and extended family.
Jeanette & Tom Olson says
Val – very sorry to learn of your loss and hope your pain is eased through the many wonderful memories. While we didn’t know your Dad, from all of the beautiful words written about him, he obviously was an incredible man with a lasting legacy in his students and his family. Our sympathies go out to you and your family.
Steve Crowley says
I was a very poor high-school student, but your dad taught me how to write. He was the best teacher I had in high school—very patient and caring. He was my driver’s ed instructor too, and while I was already a skilled driver, he taught me the value of patience and kindness for less-skilled students. I have thought of your dad frequently over the years. He had a real impact on me as a young man. I eventually earned a Ph.D. and have had a great career as a university professor. Your dad made a real difference in how my life, and many of his students’ lives, turned out.
John Matthews says
Like Bill, a neighborhood kid who grew up on the corner of 5th and Hoback, he was a year ahead of me at Jefferson, Central, Helena High and Carroll. Like Bill, I also taught history and English, but in Billings. I remember Bill very well, we grew-up together, played sports together, and were friends for many years, although our paths did not cross after Carroll. He was a classy guy – the class act described above by Steve Crowley.
John Matthews says
See above
Carolyn Truscott says
Mr. Bausch taught “Senior Help Math” when I was in HHS in 1970-71. He was incredibly patient, knowledgeable and the epitome of a great teacher. I never forgot his class and his helpful tips on overcoming fear of math and being competent using math.
Joe Anderson says
Condolences to Bill’s family. I taught so many years with Bill in the HHS English Department. He was such a solid colleague. A grammarian extraordinaire! If there was a questionable assault on the structure of language, Bill was the expert to seek out to rectify the error. He loved a good western story and if it had the morbid theme of mob rule or unsavory leaders like in “The Oxbow Incident,” so much the better for his lecture. Bill and I shared a driver ed car for years. I remember frequently checking the ash tray after retrieving the car to begin my turn at driving lessons. I hated the smell of a good smoke …being a reformed cig guy, myself.LOL. I’m truly sorry to hear of Bill’s passing, but know this, he left behind many well educated students and faculty members who mourner his loss. RIP
Monique Legg says
Bill was an amazing teacher. Very kind and patient. He taught me finally love an English class. I loved his smile. I remember his shirt pocket always had a pack of cigarettes in it. He was a class act. Enjoyed his teaching very much.
Tina Johnson says
Hi, I’m sorry for your loss. I did not know your dad but I’ve purchased his bulldogging saddle at the estate sale. I don’t see any reference to his days as a Bulldogger and I was wondering if there is a story to add to the saddle and accompanying equipment?