Laurence Joe Bauer Sr.

Laurence “L.J.” Joe Bauer Sr. passed away on Oct. 2 nd 2026 at the age of 73. He was born on February 6th, 1953, to Olive and John Bauer in Harlem, MT. He grew up in Rocky Boy, Montana with his 11 brothers and sisters. They eventually moved to Havre where he stayed for much of his life. From a young age, L.J. was a hard worker. He started working when he was around 17 years old and continued working for more than 45 years. Many of those years were spent working in the oil fields, including with KB Drilling and Faith Drilling.

L.J. loved working on the oil rigs. It was more than just a job to him. He enjoyed the work, the people, and the lifestyle. When he finally quit working around 2016, he never really found another job that he liked as much as working the oil rigs. Even after he stopped working, L.J.never really slowed down. He always had something going on, something to fix, a women to chase, somewhere to go, or someone to visit.

L.J. was a boy at heart and never outgrew the things he loved. He had a special love for Chevy cars, especially muscle cars, and enjoyed working on cars and old trucks. He had a way of seeing potential in things other people might have given up on. When it came to cars, L.J. knew how to turn lemons into lemonade. He loved hunting and fishing, watching western shows, and listening to country music. If it had an engine, wheels, or something that could be worked on, there was a good chance L.J. was interested.

L.J. also enjoyed the simple things in life, including some of his favorite meals. His family knew he enjoyed beef and rice and a good meatloaf. These little things, along with his stories and habits, are the everyday memories that will remain with those who knew him best.

L.J.’s life was filled with family and relationships that shaped many of his memories. He and Tina Blatt were together in 1970 and shared many years together. They had three children, Crystal, Laurence Jr., and Kenesia. Although they separated in 1984, the family they built together remained an important part of L.J.’s life. In 1985, L.J. married Marsha Thompson. Their marriage lasted until 1993. Although their marriage eventually ended, Marsha never stopped loving L.J., and the love she carried for him remained a meaningful part of their story.

L.J. lived life fully and on his own terms. He enjoyed having a good time, chasing women, being out and about, and keeping life interesting. He had a mischievous side and definitely had a smart mouth. He could make people laugh, keep people on their toes, and leave behind stories that his family will continue telling for years to come. One of L.J.‘s greatest joys was being a grandfather. He spoiled his grandchildren and loved having them around. His grandson Jordan remembers being able to stay with L.J. whenever he wanted. They would go to garage sales with Grandma Kim, make random trips to Char’s for breakfast, and spend time together whenever L.J. wasn’t working. L.J. would joke that Jordan was his favorite grandchild because he was the only boy at the time. He hardly ever told Jordan no when he asked for something, and Jordan knew exactly how to work that to his advantage.

L.J. also shared a special bond with Dallas, who lived with him. Their time together created memories that Dallas will carry with him for the rest of his life. Those who knew L.J. will remember his hard work, his love of cars and women, his stories, his sense of humor, his smart mouth, and his ability to keep everyone on their toes. He was never afraid to live life his own way, and he had a personality that could not be forgotten.

L.J. leaves behind a lifetime of memories, stories, laughter, and love. His life will continue through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Though he is no longer here, the memories he created will continue to be shared from one generation to the next.

L.J. Sr. is survived by his children, Crystal (Terrance) Piapot, Laurence Bauer Jr and Kenesia (Sam Stump) Bauer. His sisters, Debbie, Clara, Thea, Terry and Audrey Bauer, Karen (Shorty) Gramley, and Ionia Lohman. Brothers, Bruce and John Bauer. His grandchildren, Jordan (Mahala) Bauer, Natasha and Chelsea Lohman, Tina Meyers, and Kathren Morsette. His great- grandchildren, Dallas, Darren Jr, Aaliyah and Layla Keith, Jaxton, Mason, and Ashton Bauer, Tristen Henderson, Cordell Lohman and Kasia Rivera.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Olive and John Bauer. His grandson, Reece Morsette. His sisters, Eldora and Kathy Bauer. Brother Jerry Bauer. Nephews Richard “Bobby” Henry Bauer, Jacob Bauer and Stevie-Man Bauer. And his niece Justine Bauer.

His stories, his laughter, his stubbornness, his smart mouth, and the memories he made with his family will carry his memory forward for generations to come. He will be deeply missed, but the life he lived and the people he loved will ensure that L.J. is never forgotten.