Gerald Bauer

Gerald F. Bauer, 89, Merrill, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at Good Samaritan Health Center, Merrill.

He was born September 17, 1920 in Marshfield to the late Frank Bauer and Freida (Podratz) Retzlaff. He married Margaret Martin in Marshfield on September 4, 1944. She preceded him in death on August 12, 1994.

Jerry was a 1939 graduate of Marshfield High School . He served in the Army National Guard during WWII, serving in the South Pacific, where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart, then was honorably discharged. When Jerry returned from the war he attended UW Madison and became a Dairy Inspector for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture until retiring in 1978. He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church where he was very active. Jerry was a member of the VFW Post #1638 and was also a 4 ^th Degree Knight of Columbus where he was very involved. He had helped on the Tootsie Roll Drive right up until the day of his death. Jerry was a longtime member of the Merrill Lions Club and was honored April 18 ^th with his 56 year pin. He also served as an alderman on the Merrill City Council for many years. Jerry was a member of the “Garden Club”, a group of men that played poker once a month. He was also a member of the Lincoln Stockmen. Jerry enjoyed watching the Brewers and Packers games. Earlier in his life he had played baseball, football, hockey and basketball. Later in life he enjoyed fishing and playing golf. Jerry was an avid fan of Merrill High School sports, attending as often as possible, but he especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren compete.

Survivors include his daughter: Gera (Gary) Leider, Merrill; son: Paul Bauer, Eden Prairie, MN; 5 grandchildren: Stacy (Jesse) Bolder, Steve Leider, both of Merrill, Jennifer Leider, Pewaukee, Tom (Laurie) Bauer, Chicago, and Justin (Sarah) Bauer, VA; 3 great-grandchildren: Kevin and Drew Bolder, Merrill, and Serena Bauer, Chicago.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Margaret; brother, James and infant sister, Joyce Elaine.

Services will be held Monday, May 3, 2010 at 11:30 AM at St. Francis Catholic Church. The Rev. James Horath will officiate. Visitation will be from 3-7 PM Sunday, May 2 and again from 10-11 AM Monday, May 3, all at the funeral home. The Knights of Columbus will provide an honorarium ceremony Sunday evening. Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery where military honors will be provided by VFW Post #1638. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com .