Stephen G. Bambauer of Orland died on Saturday, April 5, 2025. The youngest of three children, he was born to George and Grace Bambauer on August 24, 1942.
He spent his early childhood days on the banks of the Sacramento River in Capay. He attended McIntosh Grammar School and Hamilton High School, just as his father did.
His strong work ethic, instilled by his parents, found him stocking the shelves of his parents’ grocery and hardware store, working on a turkey farm, knocking almonds, and picking peaches to earn the money to buy his first car, a sporty white TR3, and funded his education at Chico State. There, he earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in history.
His service in the U.S. Navy encompassed much of his 20s, where he would serve as a navigator in an F4 Phantom. His time included two cruises to Vietnam on the USS Constellation, completing over 200 combat missions and ending his service as a land survival instructor at the training command center in Pensacola, Florida.
Upon an honorable end to his service, Stephen and his wife, Patricia, returned to his favorite place on earth. There, along the banks of the Sacramento River in Capay, they raised six children and four nieces and nephews.
They took up the family business, running the Capay Store for many decades before “retiring” from self-employment. He then worked for the United States Postal Service, where folks on his rural route would remember him fondly for playing his bugle to announce the arrival of their mail.
Upon retirement from USPS, he found fulfillment in preaching the Gospel at Bible conferences across the United States and countries abroad. He had a special way of relaying his love of Jesus to the young and old alike.
He would spend his final years a cherished and respected member of his family and community.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia; children Laura Brooks (Jason), Joshua Bambauer, Clara Cross (Curtis), Andrew Bambauer (Rebekah), and Sarah Talley (Rob); grandchildren Hunter, Pierce, Miles, Grace, Maggie, Prophet, George, Emma, Amelia, Jackson, and Spencer; sister Mary Hoisington; and nieces and nephews David, Rebecca, Steve, and Julia.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Grace Bambauer; brother Byron; and son Ernest Bambauer.
A funeral service is planned for 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, at the Federated Church of Orland, 709 First Street, Orland. Burial is to take place at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 5, at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery, 11800 Gas Point Road, Igo.
Family and friends are welcome to attend.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary of Orland.
The Glenn County Observer 