It is our sad duty to report the passing of a Past Camp Commander of Nebraska and the Dakotas, Steve Bauermeister on January 2, 2025.
Steve was born on April 15, 1949 in Omaha Nebraska. Steve attended school in Omaha and in his high school years played many sports at Tech High in Omaha lettering in football, baseball and track. Steve played on the same team as Johnny “the Jet” Rodgers at one time. Also during Steve’s high school year, as a member of the ROTC, Steve marched in Lyndon B. Johnson’s Inauguration Day Parade in Washington, D.C. carrying a guidon. Steve distinguished himself in the ROTC. Steve married Barb and they had two children son Michael Bauermeister and daughter Melissa. In the 1970s Steve and Barb enjoyed time together participating with bowling teams in tournaments along with travelling and the outdoors. Steve and son Michael participated together in many Boy Scout activities as Steve was very active in the Boy Scouts.
Steve joined the First Nebraska Volunteer Infantry reenacting unit in 2002 and participated in many Civil War reenactments, living histories and parades. On February 11, 2004 Steve joined the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Department of Nebraska in Victor Vifquain Camp #1. Steve had many ancestors that served during the Civil War notably: Pvt. John G. Burg, Co. A, 53rd Indiana Infantry and Pvt. William R. Burg, Co. E, 2nd Nebraska Cavalry and finally Barton W. Prickett, Co. I, 43rd Missouri Infantry.
Steve served as Camp Commander of Victor Vifquain Camp #1 from 2006 to 2010. Steve also served as Department ROTC Officer for over 10 years and grew the program under his tenure to over 40 schools in Nebraska and North and South Dakota. Steve was also active in decorating graves of Veterans at the cemeteries and putting out flags for Memorial Day. He was in contact with many people in the ROTC programs, Boy Scouts and government officials as a representative of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
Steve’s presence will be greatly missed at meetings and events, his service and dedication will always be remembered.