Gilbert F. “Gilly” Bauer age 87 of Durand, died peacefully on Friday, January 2, 2015 at the Chippewa Valley Hospital in Durand with his family by his side.

Gilbert was born on January 5, 1927 in Durand. He was the son of Andrew and Mary Bauer, he was the youngest of five siblings. He grew up in the Lima area and attended a small country school. At the age of 15, Gilbert took over the family farm due to his father’s illness. On January 28, 1948, Gilbert married Betty J. Girard at Holy Rosary Catholic Church-Lima, rural Durand. After marriage, they continued to farm and raise their family. Gilbert also worked at the Ice House in Eau Claire, Bauer’s Gas and he drove truck for the canning factory in Durand. He retired from farming in 1986, but he continued to help on the farm with field work until 2013. In his retirement, Gilbert enjoyed driving the Amish to various places.

Gilbert’s passion in life was farming. When he couldn’t help farm, he would come out to the farm to watch. He enjoyed watching western movies, professional wrestling, and he loved to spend time with family and friends.

Gilbert is survived by his children; Diane (Marty) Prissel, Sharon (Stan) Jesse, both of Durand, Vicky (Dick) Klein of Wabasha, MN, Brian (Rhonda) of Rushford, MN, Brent (Heidi) of Durand, 24 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, two great great grandsons, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife; Betty, one son in infancy; Joseph, three brothers; Raymond, Willis and Lud, two sisters; Annabelle Bauer and Emma Alexander.

Funeral Mass will be 11:30 AM Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church-Lima, rural Durand. Rev. Al Jakubowski will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4-7 PM Tuesday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Gilbert’s name to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or a local charity of your choice.

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

Condolences

1. Patti Blount January 22, 2015, at 4:28pm

   I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Gilbert. Sympathy to the family during this time.

2. Colleen Garnevicus January 6, 2015, at 2:35pm

   Dear Sharon, Diane, and all the family,
   Your dad was a gentle and loving soul, always having a smile and a kind word. He reminds me of my dad--the highest compliment I can give. I know you will miss him, but your mom probably gave him a great greeting in heaven! Celebrate his life and treasure your memories!

3. Dr. Phil January 5, 2015, at 11:53pm

   For all the sons, daughters, and grand children of Betty and Gilbert I feel your heartache. I knew them through working with the cows on the farm or with their dog to be wonderful caring people. Alway easy to work and talk with. There were many memorable times at the farm but for me the most notable was a ten below zero 6AM call for a cow with milk fever and calving out in the cold. Everything went well and quickly, a good thing because I had been awake all night with Mary in labor. I rushed back to Mary and to the hospital. Theresa was born six hours later Feb. 11, 1988. Two beautiful births that day.

   Two wonderful parents, and grand parents, Betty and Gilbert, always missed and remembered!

4. Pat Rosenberg January 5, 2015, at 9:48pm

   Sharon, so sorry, I just heard about your dad's passing. You and your family have my deepest sympathy. Now your mom and dad are watching you together in heaven. God bless you all!

5. Paul Bauer January 3, 2015, at 7:02pm

   I offer my condolences to you all during this time of great loss of such loving, caring and wonderful man.

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