Gertrude M. “Gertie” Bauer, age 87 of Durand, died Thursday, November 20, 2014 at the Oakview Care Center in Durand with her family by her side.

Gertie was born on February 12, 1927 at home in the Town of Lima. She was the daughter of Emil and Lucy (Berger) Bauer. Gertie grew up in the Lima area and attended Sacred Heart Catholic School. She married Francis V. Bauer Sr. on April 22, 1947 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church-Lima. After marriage, they farmed in the Durand and Plum City area. Gertie alongside her husband farmed while raising their family.

Gertie enjoyed gardening, sewing and baking. She was famous for her poppy rolls and doughnuts. Gertie also like to get together with friends and play cards. Most of all, Gertie loved to spend time with her family and friends.

Gertie is survived by her children; Stephen (Barb) of Durand, Linda (Bernard) LaPean of Menomonie, Diane (Kenneth) Bechel Sr. of Ellsworth, Sharon (Tom) Leirmo, Sandy (Dan) Bauer, Marcia R. Bauer, Francis Jr. (Rosie), David (Mary), Byron (Barb), all of Durand and Bruce (Janet) of Green Bay, 30 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, four brothers; Lambert Bauer of Mondovi, Jimmy Bauer of New Berlin, Bob (Tammy) Bauer of Olympia, WA, and John (Alice) Bauer of Fall Creek, three sisters; Mary (Milt) Shankenberger of Poy Sippi, Phyllis (John) Kohlman of Modena, Carol (Duane) Becker of Mondovi, sisters-in-law; Rita (Mark) Brantner of Eau Claire, and Bernice Bauer of Altoona, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband; Francis Sr., two grandsons; Kevin LaPean and Travis Bechel, two sons-in-law; Dale Pickering and Darrell Bennett and three brothers; Isadore Bauer, Emil Bauer Jr. and Leonard Bauer.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Oakview Care Center for taking such wonderful care of Gertie during her time there.

Funeral Services will be 11:30 AM Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church-Lima rural Durand. Rev. Paul Bosco will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4-7 PM Monday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Gertie’s name to the Oakview Care Center or the Durand Ambulance Service.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Ken and Debe Bauer December 19, 2014, at 8:11pm

   Even though I had never met Gertie and Emil personally, I heard numerous fun stories of great baked goods and how wonderful it was to visit 'up north' from Ken. We are sorry for the loss of Gertie. You have all been blessed and we are glad Jim's oldest sister was able to meet him in Heaven the same week.

2. Thomas Bauer (james R Bauer) December 19, 2014, at 12:58am

   My condolences to the family. As a child I always enjoyed going to "Gerties". She always had this beautiful smile and was constantly baking things. Although I haven't seen my northern Wisconsin relatives in a while the memories are still strong and have helped shaped my life.

3. Rosemary Carlisle November 29, 2014, at 10:16am

   My deepest sympathy during this most difficult time.
   You are in my thoughts and prayers.

4. Toni Kremer Lippert November 27, 2014, at 9:15am

   My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.

5. Tere Becker November 25, 2014, at 12:52pm

   Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. So sorry for your loss.

6. Daniel Kohlman November 24, 2014, at 10:03pm

   Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.

7. Lori (Bauer) Hofacker November 24, 2014, at 3:19pm

   Sorry for your loss, our family spent a lot of time with your family, and it was always a good time. Mom and Dad played many card games with Gertie. Dad would always look forward to the card games with her, after mom passed. She will be missed! I am sure mom and her are in charge again.

8. Cozy Becker November 22, 2014, at 10:31pm

   With deepest sympathy to all.
   She will live on in our memories.

9. Pam and Larry LaPean November 21, 2014, at 4:53pm

   My deepest sympathy for your family.
   I will keep you all in my prayers.
   Mothers are special people in our lives.

10. Jeff Bauer November 21, 2014, at 12:58pm

    So sad to hear of dear Gerties' passing. I did have 1 last visit this spring with Steve and she had the greatest of spirit. Sure am happy I had the opportunity one last time. Be seeing the huge family together next week.
    Jeff

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