Dorothy M. Bauer, age 93 of Durand, died Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at River Pines Care Center in Altoona with her family by her side.

Dorothy was born on April 2, 1926 on the family farm in the Town of Durand. She was the daughter of Frank and Emma (Hartung) Spindler. Dorothy grew up on the family farm and graduated from Durand High School. After high school, Dorothy worked in St. Paul, MN until she married Dale W. Bauer on October 22, 1946 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Durand. After marriage, they raised their family in Durand. Dorothy was a devoted wife, mother, homemaker and she was an accomplished seamstress. She also bartended with her husband at their bar, Bauer’s Bar The Smokehouse for ten years.

Dorothy was active in St. Mary’s Parish, the Rosary and Altar Society, Christian Family Movement, the Home and School Association, the hot lunch program and she coordinated the Prayer Shawl Ministry for several years. She also started the first Holy Rosary-Lima Cookbook with Lila Spindler and was a Maria Mission Leader with Pat Blair for 24 years.

Dorothy was an avid reader, she also enjoyed playing cards, traveling and entertaining family and friends at their cabin at Silver Birch.

Dorothy is survived by five daughters: Constance (Jerry) Harmon of Eau Claire, Barbara (Rick) Lucas of Chippewa Falls, Marlys (Gary) Seipel of Eau Galle, Maribeth (Dennis) Serum of Durand and Pat (Dan) Hoffman of River Falls, two sons: Bill Bauer of Rochester, MN and John (Beth) Bauer of Durand, 19 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, one sister: Lorena Kezar of Stillwater, MN, brother-in-law: Robert E. Bauer of Hales Corners, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Dale and four siblings: Marian Komro, William Spindler, Evelyn Brunner and Charles Spindler.

Funeral Mass will be 11:00AM Monday, August 26, 2019 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Durand with Rev. Emmanuel Asamoah-Bekoe officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00PM-7:00PM Sunday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

The family would ask that in honor of Dorothy, please consider doing a random act of kindness.

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

Condolences

1. KRISTINE POLZER August 26, 2019, at 9:03am

   I enjoyed getting to know Dorothy's family again when my Mom Beatrice (Slama) Anderson and Dorothy were both at the Home Place. With both of their funeral's just 4 days apart I bet they are having a great reunion.
   Sending sympathy to all of the families.

   Kris and Dave Polzer

2. Rollie Hermundson August 24, 2019, at 10:00am

   Thinking of you and your family.

3. Monica Bastien August 23, 2019, at 1:25pm

   Dear and Pat and family,
   I am so sorry for your loss. I am thinking of you and I will keep you in my prayers.
   Deepest Sympathy,
   Monica

4. Mary Lynn (Van Dyke) Wiskerchen August 23, 2019, at 10:17am

   My sincere condolences to all Dorothy’s family. She was a wonderful person and neighbor.

5. Pete Adler August 22, 2019, at 7:08pm

   Our sincere condolences to the entire Bauer family. I have many great memories sitting in the Bauer kitchen with Dale(Johnny Muskrat)????, Dorthy and family, either after cleaning ducks, making popcorn balls, or playing cards. Dorthy is a gem, and will be missed by all who knew her!!! Keep close all the great memories. May god bless you all. The Adler’s

6. Mary A Schwartz August 22, 2019, at 6:05pm

   Sorry for your loss she was a great lady to care for while working at the Home Place always enjoyed her may you know how blessed you were to have her for so many years

7. Patti Blount August 22, 2019, at 4:26pm

   I'm sorry to hear about Dorothy passing. Sympathy to family during this difficult time.

8. Mary Brunner August 22, 2019, at 8:29am

   My condolences to the family of my Great Aunt Dorothy. I bet that she is talking up a storm with my dad, Jim Brunner, who also recently passed away. I remember as a child going to visit Aunt Dorothy and family at Silver Birch. I am sure that you as a family have many great memories of being there. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

9. Mary Lynn (Knutson) Smith August 21, 2019, at 11:45pm

   I remember Dorothy and Dale from living in Durand with my parents Len and Lorraine Knutson beginning in 1957 when I was in 4th grade at St. Mary's school. Len and Lorraine were involved in many of the same church activities and community activities as Dale and Dorothy, and my 9 younger siblings and I were students at St. Mary's school along with Dale and Dorothy's children. I moved from WI in 1975 with my husband Ken Smith, and we moved back to WI about a year ago. We are now living in Eau Claire and are enjoying living closer to extended family and longtime friends. Ken and I extend our sincere condolences to Dorothy's family and hope that your memories of her and Dale will sustain you in the days ahead.

10. Anita Haskins August 21, 2019, at 9:59pm

    Our thoughts and prayers for the family. Lots of great memories of the Harvey & Marie King clan spending time at the Bauer’s cabin! God Bless , Anita (King) Haskins

11. Monica Heitman August 21, 2019, at 9:36pm

    Our deepest heartfelt sympathy! She was a very special lady ... we have many memories of the fun times Dorothy and Dale had with my parents! God Bless you all!

12. Barb Brunner August 21, 2019, at 8:45pm

    Our sincere sympathy goes out to all of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Barb Brunner and Family

13. Marcia Cox August 21, 2019, at 7:24pm

    Our deepest sympathy for the Bauer family.

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