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Gerald Bauer
September 16, 1953 - May 11, 2017

On May 11, 2017, Gerald ("Jerry") Lee Bauer, 63, of Oelwein, IA, passed away at Cedar Creek Golf Course in Ottumwa, IA, doing one of the things that he loved. Jerry had a big heart and lived his life serving others. His exceptional selflessness, warmth and kindness nurtured deep relationships with friends and family. When he wasn't spending time with family or helping others, Jerry was traveling with his wife to see his children and grandchildren, playing ball, reading, lecturing at Sacred Heart Church or serving the community through the Knights of Columbus as a Fourth Degree Knight.

Born on September 16, 1953, in Peoria, IL, Jerry was the third son and fourth child to Belva and Newton Bauer. He graduated from North Fayette in 1971 and earned his BA from Upper Iowa University in 1976, where he was also on the University baseball team and part of the Beta Theta Phi fraternity. Jerry dedicated over 35 years of his life as an insurance and investments broker with Life of Iowa, where he was part owner and Vice President at the time of his passing.

Jerry is survived by his wife, son and daughter. His wife of 39 years, Susan Bauer, was the love of his life. Susan earned her BS summa cum laude from Stevens College. Susan is involved in the Liturgy Committee at Sacred Heart Church and serves as a medical Coding Supervisor at a prominent hospital. Jerry's son, Christopher (Averi) Bauer, earned his BA from the University of Northern Iowa and his MBA from the University of Iowa. He manages IT operations within the business aviation industry. Chris has two daughters, Brynlee and Adalynn. Jerry's daughter, Sarah (Brian) Riedel, earned her BA from the University of Iowa and is pursuing her Executive MBA from Georgetown University. She manages a portfolio of customers within the clean energy sector. Sarah has a son and daughter, Spencer and Riley. Jerry encouraged his wife and children to push their limits and follow their dreams, and in the last few years Jerry especially enjoyed being a grandfather. The love that his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family received from Jerry is reciprocated in the deep love and admiration that they will always have for him. 

Jerry is also survived by his three siblings, Roger (Peggy) Bauer, Richard (Jane) Bauer, and Kathy (Doug) Davis, and many nieces and nephews.

The family will celebrate Jerry's life at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home in Oelwein on Friday, May 19, 2017, from 4 to 7 pm with a Knights of Columbus Rosary service at 4 pm and a vigil service at 7 pm. The funeral service will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Oelwein on Saturday, May 20, 2017, at 10:30 am. Internment will be at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Oelwein following the funeral service. A memorial fund has been established. For condolences, please visit www.geilenfeldfh.com

 

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Kent & Selena Stegeman on May 15, 2017 at 5:40 AM said:

We are stunned and very sorry for you loss Susan. Jerry was a wonderful man who will be missed by many. We were so blessed to have spent time with you two last month. Know that your WCU family is praying for you.
Mary Wieck on May 14, 2017 at 6:38 PM said:

So very sorry for your loss Susan. Blessings
Steve Ryan on May 14, 2017 at 12:03 PM said:

A good man and a fine friend. He will be missed
Steve Ryan on May 14, 2017 at 12:02 PM said:

A good man and a fine friend. He will be missed
Doreen Bixeman on May 14, 2017 at 4:45 AM said:

My condolences Susan - He was such a great caring guy with a big heart. He was always on the run to help someone, popping a quick bag of popcorn and out the office he would go. His kids were his life and pride. Such a wonderful man taken all to soon. Prayers for you & the kids during this difficult time.
Michael Don Farmer on May 14, 2017 at 4:25 AM said:

Gerald and I have been friends for 29 years. We attended many industry meetings together, always a lot of fun when he was present. Gerald was moderator of insurance and financial services industry when I first met him. Gerald always looking to help others especially in his business.
Lynn Erdelt Reinert on May 13, 2017 at 11:13 PM said:

So sorry for your loss. Jerry was a great guy! He always had a smile! Thinking of you and your family.
Anonymous on May 13, 2017 at 8:33 PM said:

My deepes sympathy to you Susan and your family for your loss of Gerald will be missed alot
Ron Baker on May 13, 2017 at 12:18 PM said:

Best softball player I ever knew! Prayers to the family.
Dennis Pixler on May 13, 2017 at 11:21 AM said:

I was so sorry to hear of your terrible loss. You are in my prayers.
Lyle and Nancy Miller on May 13, 2017 at 9:59 AM said:

Condolences to your family. Great guy, great family. I will always remember baseball cap and bow ties! May Gold Bless.
Anonymous on May 13, 2017 at 9:56 AM said:

Please accept our condolences. Great guy & great family. I will always think baseball cap and bow ties. May he rest in peace. We will all miss him.
Lila Bauer on May 13, 2017 at 9:09 AM said:

So sorry to hear of the loss of your dear husband and dad.
Ralph and I have been praying for your family during this difficult time.
Joan Fox on May 13, 2017 at 8:57 AM said:

Susan and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers of sympathy to all of you.
Greg & Roz Weis, Decorah on May 13, 2017 at 8:38 AM said:

We are so saddened by the news of Gerry's passing. He was a bright light whenever we saw him. Treasure your wonderful memories. May God Bless you all.

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