Kenneth N. Bauer, age 84 of Menomonie, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at The Neighbors of Dunn County in Menomonie.

Ken was born October 7, 1935, in rural Elmwood.  He was the son of Herman and Florence (White) Bauer and grew up on the family farm.  Ken attended Nippersink Elementary School and graduated from Elmwood High School in 1953.  Ken worked several jobs in the area and a short time in Illinois before enlisting in the U.S Army.  Ken served in the Korean War as a radio operator and was honorably discharged, earning the rank of Sergeant. After the service, Ken returned to the Elmwood area.  He married Jean Hofacker on March 31, 1959, at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Eau Galle.

Early in their marriage they moved to South St. Paul, MN, where they raised their family and Ken worked in the construction industry for 42 years.  After retiring, Ken and Jean moved to rural Menomonie where he remained the rest of his life.

Ken enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and collecting and working on antique John Deere tractors.  He was active with the Knights of Columbus, Elmwood American Legion and the Moose Lodge in Menomonie.

Ken is survived by his wife Jean of 60 years, Patricia (Douglas) Dobin of South St. Paul, MN, Donna (Duane) Thompson of Glenwood City, Douglas (Laurie) of Inver Grove Heights, MN; five grandchildren and one great granddaughter and one on the way; three sisters, Marcella Hyser of Minneapolis, MN, Ocille Steinmeyer of Menomonie, Berniece (Jim) Krings of Elmwood; several nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Debra Hadler, two brothers, Donald and Galen, two sisters, Leona Bauer and Theresa Kistner.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Menomonie with Rev. John Mano officiating.  Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery-Farm Hill rural Elmwood with Military Honors provided by the Crain-Ottman American Legion Post 207 of Elmwood.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Monday at Rhiel Funeral Home in Menomonie and one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.

Condolences

1. Dorothy Golden March 9, 2020, at 3:38pm

   Wish I could be with you today, Jean. Howard and I had many good times together with you and Kenny especially our trip to Alaska.

2. Nancy Shafer Zawacki March 5, 2020, at 5:16pm

   Our sympathy to you, Jean, and your family. Ken was a gentle spirit and we always enjoyed him when he stopped by the farm.

3. Joyce Kendall March 5, 2020, at 9:20am

   So sad to lose another friend. We have many good memories with Kenny, Jerry, Jean and I.

4. John & Jo Ann Fagerland March 5, 2020, at 8:29am

   Sending our prayers to Jean and your family at this sad time. May God bless you all. Peace and love, John & Jo Ann.

5. Tom and Deb Sinz March 5, 2020, at 6:31am

   Jean and Family:
   Thinking of you and sending love and healing thoughts now and in the days to follow. He was such a kind guy and always had a smile on his face.

6. Pat Bauer March 4, 2020, at 10:09pm

   Dear Aunt Jean, you have my sincere condolences on Ken's passing. It is such a shame to lose him in this way. I will always keep my fund memories of him from years past.

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