Ethel V. Bauer, age 103 of Durand, died Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at the Homeplace in Durand with her family by her side.

Ethel was born on March 1, 1916 in Elmwood. She was the daughter of Clarence and Frances (Hei) Mulheron. Ethel grew up in Elmwood and graduated from Elmwood High School in 1933. After high school, Ethel worked at St. Joseph Hospital in St. Paul for a short time. Ethel bought and operated a restaurant in Durand where she met G.F. “Sam” Bauer. Ethel married Sam Bauer on February 12, 1942 at St. Nicholas Church on Farm Hill in rural Elmwood. After marriage, they moved to Durand where together they started Bauer Oil Company (known today as Bauer Built Tire and Service) and raised their family. Ethel and Sam enjoyed traveling, whether it was work or pleasure and spent many winters in Florida. Ethel lived independently in her home until she was 101 when she moved to the Homeplace in Durand, where she remained the rest of her life.

Ethel was a very active member at St. Mary’s Parish and until two weeks ago attended Mass on a regular basis. She was a Cub Scout Leader and seamstress. Her favorite pastime was counted cross-stitching. After Sam passed away, Ethel joined a special coffee group that met every morning at Jeanette Bowen’s house. Ethel’s family was very important to her and at the time of her death, she had 149 living family members.

Ethel is survived by her children; Mary Jane (John “Butch”) Brantner, Marcia (Larry) Weber, Julie (Tim) Hoffman, Jerry (Sue), Jim (Linda) and Jan (Steve) Spindler, all of Durand, two sons-in-law; Dave Gapinski of Burlington and Dan Fedie of Pepin, 33 grandchildren, 69 great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren, one brother; Jim (Jean) Mulheron of Menomonie, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband; Sam Bauer, two daughters; Marla Fedie and Myrna Gapinski, one grandson; Troy Seffinga, three brothers and one sister.

Funeral Mass will be 10:00AM Friday, June 21, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Durand. Rev. Paul Bosco will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00PM-8:00PM at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Condolences

1. Tom and Mary Jean Schiefelbein June 25, 2019, at 10:07am

   Mary Jane, Marcia, Jerry, Jim, Julie, Jan, spouses and family: Tom and I were so sorry to read in the Courier Wedge today, that Ethel had passed away..Ethel and Sam were great friends, neighbors, traveling companions and banking associates..Ethel was a great gal and we always enjoyed her company..Your parents will always hold a very special place in our hearts..God Bless you all. Mary Jean and Tom Schiefelbein

2. Hank and Jane Youngman June 20, 2019, at 6:39pm

   So sorry to hear of Ethel's passing. We didn't know her well, but are certain she was a wonderful woman because her children are wonderful as well. What a legacy she left. RIP, Ethel. Love and hugs, Hank and Janehadi

3. Don Hayden June 20, 2019, at 6:12pm

   Our deepest sympathy to the Bauer families.
   Don and Val Hayden

4. Thomas Wargowsky June 20, 2019, at 5:50pm

   My deepest condolences to Ethel's family. She was truly an amazing lady and made a significant difference in so many life's, both family and friends. I know she made adpossitive impact in mine. May God bless her and keep her.

5. D. Schmitt June 19, 2019, at 10:32pm

   As we walk in the footprints of others, we come to realize the pain felt in our hearts as their footprints disappear before us. Only time will heal our sorrow, for the ones we love.

   Rest In Peace.

6. Thom Rutherford June 19, 2019, at 7:11pm

   Mom Bauer Family: Your Mom was surely one of a kind!! Smart, Loving, Caring,....Mom and Dad raised ALL of you right!! Work hard and do your best!!! Always Remember were you came from!! Your parents were successful and gave much back to the community they loved!! Caring and loving thoughts to you ALL during this difficult time!! God's love and Blessing to you all!! An old Family Friend, Thom Rutherford and Family.

7. Jim Harmon, Jr. June 19, 2019, at 3:35pm

   What an incredible life for such an amazing woman. Love and Prayers to the family during this difficult time. Much Love, Jim & Vicky Harmon

8. Kris and Dave Polzer June 19, 2019, at 11:20am

   What an amazing life Ethel had. She will be remembered by so many with love and respect.

   Sending our sympathy to her family.

   Sincerely,
   Dave and Kris Polzer

9. Patti Blount June 19, 2019, at 10:49am

   Sympathy to the family during this difficult time. Ethel was a blessing for everyone who met her.

10. Robin Gasteyer Warner June 19, 2019, at 7:49am

    Jim and Linda, Send you our condolences. Wow, what a legacy she had. Amazing!

    Robin & Rick

11. Karen June 18, 2019, at 10:42pm

    Ethel was a great women and will be missed. My mom enjoyed her kindness at coffee most mornings for years. She Had fun with Ethel at the Bauer Built Christmas parties and couple vacations when they were younger. When mom and Ethel lived at Home Place together Ethel always invited mom to join her at church. This meant the world to my mom. I am lucky to have been gifted with two of Ethel’s needle point masterpieces. (One for me and one for my son Chris.) Ethel will be remembered by me with fondness, appreciation, and love forever.

12. Vicci Hutter Rosenberg June 18, 2019, at 10:17pm

    Thinking of all the family at the loss of Ethel. God bless. Prayers

13. Roger & Pat Claflin June 18, 2019, at 10:14pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Bauer Family. Ethel was a beautiful person and a great lady, she will be missed.

14. Paula. Smith June 18, 2019, at 9:57pm

    To the family of Ethel. Bauer
    I'm truly sorry for your loss. She was a special person to all the family she was a very nice person I know lossing a person is hard but the memories last forever but I'll keep you all In my prayerss

15. Deb & Rick Setterlund June 18, 2019, at 9:36pm

    Our deepest sympathy to the Bauer family. Ethel was a great lady. I so enjoyed our conversations over the past couple of years.

16. Rick and Carol Richardson June 18, 2019, at 9:21pm

    To The Bauer Families,
    Our sympathy to you all. Peace

17. Keith & Kim Jacks June 18, 2019, at 9:04pm

    Our deepest sympathy to the entire family of Ethel’s. Our thoughts and prayers to all of you. You are all so lucky to have had so many years together. Cherish the memories.

18. Rita Kepple June 18, 2019, at 8:51pm

    Sorry for your loss. Praying for you at this difficult time.

19. Tracy Fayerweather June 18, 2019, at 8:27pm

    So very sorry for your loss! You all have my deepest sympathy!

20. Sharon Griffin June 18, 2019, at 8:15pm

    Sorry for your loss Jerry. Your Mom bought Dave and I breakfast a couple of times. She was a special person.

21. Jane Flesher June 18, 2019, at 7:42pm

    My sincerest condolences to your entire family. Your mom was a beautiful, gracious, and humble woman who always made everyone feel welcomed. She was truly a woman to be admired by all.

22. Nancy Gullickson June 18, 2019, at 7:03pm

    My heart goes out to you all. I was not quite fortunate to have met Ethel. However, I was blessed with seeing the love that she embedded with her children and Grandchildren. I was blessed to have been one of the Bauer Built Team. Your family is the heart of Durand. Stand proud, for their beginning of something that you have all made their dreams come true. I love you all, Nanc

23. Robert E Marier June 18, 2019, at 6:55pm

    Aunt Ethel, what a beautiful loving woman to all of us Harmon's. We are so thankful for all the years we have had to have you share in our lives. Our sympathy and love to all her children. A truly special Mom you had. Our Love and prayers Bob and Dianne Harmon Marier

24. Lynn and Kelly Coulson June 18, 2019, at 6:51pm

    So sorry to read that your family, and the Durand community lost Ethel. God bless you all, and may her spirit rest easy with all who have gone before.

25. Tom & Ann Brennan June 18, 2019, at 6:10pm

    To the Bauer family,
    We are very sorry for your loss. Ethel was a wonderful person and has had such an impact on so many people lives. We will keep your family in our prayers during this difficult time.

26. Patty and John Wayne June 18, 2019, at 6:04pm

    Our Heartfelt Sympathy goes to you and your family. Ethel was wonderful and kind person was always a pleasures to visit with her.

27. Pelke Plumbing & Well Drilling, Inc June 18, 2019, at 4:24pm

    Our condolences to the entire Bauer family. May God grant you strength and peace during this time.
    From all of us at
    Pelke Plumbing

28. Dan and Faye Owen June 18, 2019, at 4:09pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Your mother was such a dear lady and will be greatly missed by all.

29. Carol hunter June 18, 2019, at 4:07pm

    My thoughts and prayers to all the families,my deepest sympathy.

30. Don and Linda Henry June 18, 2019, at 3:50pm

    Sending love and sympathy- what a blessing to of had so many years

31. Wendy Schofield June 18, 2019, at 3:24pm

    Dear Children of Ethel and Families... Praying for your comfort in the days ahead. May your sweet memories of times spent with your Mom/Grandma give you peace. She was a kind and caring lady and I know she will be missed by many in the Durand area. My Deepest Sympathies for all of you. ????????

32. LuAnn and Randy Hayden June 18, 2019, at 3:14pm

    So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

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