Stephen G Bambauer, 82, passed away April 5, 2025 surrounded by love and compassion. He was born August 24, 1942 to George and Grace Bambauer. The youngest of three children, Steve spent his early childhood days on the banks of the Sacramento river in Capay, California. He attended McIntosh Grammer 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 bachelors of science in history.

His service in the US Navy encompassed much of his 20's 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, California, they raised 6 children and 4 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, Stephen 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. Stephen would spend his final years a cherished and respected member of his family and community.

Stephen is survived by his wife Patricia Bambauer, and 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, Spencer, and his sister Mary Hoisington. Nieces and Nephews: David, Rebecca, Steve, Julia.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Grace Bambauer, brother Byron, and son Ernest Bambauer.

A funeral service for Stephen will be held on May 3rd 2025 at 2pm, at Federated Church of Orland, 709 First St. Orland, CA. and laid to rest May 5, 2025 at 2:00 PM location at Northern California Veterans Cemetery, 11800 Gas point Rd, Igo, California 96047. Family and friends are welcome to attend.

Arrangements are being held under the direction of Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary.