Thomas "Tom" James Bauer passed away on 3/23/2026 after a courageous battle with cancer at his home in Foley, MN at the age of 37 surrounded by his loving family.  

Born on April 20th, 1988, in Princeton, MN, he was the loving son of Larry and Juli Bauer.  

Tom graduated from Elk River High School in 2006, having also earned PSEO credits through Anoka Technical School in welding. He was employed at multiple manufacturing companies, most notably Marksman Metals in St. Michael and B & B Industries in Big Lake, MN. In 2022 Tom realized his dream of turning his side business, Bauer Performance Tuning into a full-time business, Bauer Performance Tuning and Fabrication, where he continued to provide services in many things, from metal fabrication to performing work on customers’ classic vehicles.

Throughout his life, Tom had a passion for anything mechanical. One of his main loves was customizing and fabricating anything with wheels and a motor. He was quite talented at tuning engines, flashing computers, and modifying wiring harnesses for many customers. Word-of-mouth referrals kept him busy, and his work in the automotive world was known by many throughout the country!

Tom enjoyed attending car shows and being with his friends and family of the Twisted Koncepts (TK) Car Club, where he was lovingly referred to as Turbo Tom. His life with the car club led him on many trips where he participated in many shows throughout the United States. Tom enjoyed these trips as it felt like it was always a new adventure. Accompanying on these trips was Carli, his puppies, and likely a car or three to deliver after he worked his magic.

Tom was a very generous person, whether it be spending too much at auctions or on raffle items because it was for a good cause or helping friends in need. He was quick to support his friends’ businesses and willing to lend his expertise with questions or advice. Tom’s love for his family was present in all the times that he spent with them during many gatherings and joining him on one of his adventures.

He was a genuine person, always willing to give his opinion. You always knew where Tom stood during a discussion. Regardless of whether you agreed or not, he would proceed to help you with anything that you needed.

The world is missing one of the good ones with Tom’s passing.

Tom was preceded in death by his Grandfather Earl (Dean) Bauer, Grandfather Edward Glimpse, and Uncle Scott Bauer.

Tom is survived by his longtime girlfriend, Carli Niesen and their fur babies Peter and Charles; parents Larry and Juli Bauer, brothers Daniel (Danielle) Bauer and Joshua (Brittney) Bauer, and sister Laura (Chris) McMillan; nephews and nieces Jersey and Easton Bauer, Benjamin, Beau, and Ellie Bauer, and Zakk McMillan; Grandmothers Sharon Bauer and Eileen (Lance) Hislop, many aunts, uncles and cousins, and the Twisted Koncepts family.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held on April 25, 2026 from 3pm to 8 pm at Lawngevity Lawn & Snow, Inc., located at 1478 County Road 90, Independence,  MN 55359.