STERLING – Melvin F. Bauer, of Sterling, died Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011, at his home. He was a cable technician, retiring from Comcast in October 2011 after 44 years of service.

He was born Dec. 20, 1941, in Galena, the son of Frank and Lucille (Stierman) Bauer. He served in the Navy. He married Linda McCune on Oct. 8, 1966, in Sterling. He was a member of Bethel Reformed Church in Sterling and the American Legion. He served as a past board member for Council House and a past deacon of the church. He enjoyed camping and fishing.

Surviving are his wife, Linda; daughter, Debra (Joe) Montalto of Rye, N.Y.; stepdaughter, Amy (Ted) Shew of Crystal Lake; two sons, Michael (Kristen) Bauer of Sterling and Nathan Bauer of Fulton; his sister, Joyce (Garry) Porter of Savanna; brother-in-law, Virgil “Red” Tyler of Savanna; and eight grandchildren, Ashely Montalto, Megan Montalto, Joey Montalto, Kaitlyn Bauer, Grace Bauer, Sophia Bauer, David Shew and Abigail Shew.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Norma Jean Tyler.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Bethel Reformed Church in Sterling. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the church, with the Rev. Kenneth Zuithoff officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling. Arrangements were completed by McDonald Funeral Homes.

A memorial will be established.