Elizabeth Ann Bauer, age 74 of Durand, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday morning, January 8, 2021 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Eau Claire.

Liz was born on June 1, 1946 in La Crosse. She was the daughter of Marian (Sylla) and Dominic Smick. Liz married her high school sweetheart, Roy A. Bauer on May 11, 1968 in Independence. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend who always put others before herself. Liz made everyone feel important. Among her noted talents, Liz was a consummate home and garden decorator, exquisite at planning family events, and most importantly, she was the glue that held everyone together with a fervent commitment to family. Liz was no party pooper, she was always planning her next social adventure. Her vibrant light will continue to shine within our hearts. The family would love to say more about her, but it was her explicit wish that we keep her obituary short and sweet.

Liz is survived by her husband, Roy, her 3 daughters, Stephanie (Jeff) Dehler of St. Paul, MN, Nicole (Travis) DeBrobander of St. Michael, MN, Sara Bauer of Honolulu, HI, 4 grandchildren, Audrey, Aidan, Sophie and Brock, one brother, Jeff Smick of Penbroke Pines, FL, one sister, Jyll Soto Lara of Eleva, niece, Jennifer Harris of St. Paul, MN, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents.

There will be a private family event at Roy’s cabin. Per her wishes, there will be a Celebration of Life bash when it is safe to gather.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Liz’s name to a charity of your choice.

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

Condolences

1. Jeanette O'Neill January 26, 2021, at 10:36am

   Liz had the greatest laugh and sense of humor. I had so much fun volunteering and attending CVLR events with Liz. I will miss her.

2. Larry and Janet Johnson January 22, 2021, at 2:51pm

   Roy, you have our deepest sympathy

3. Dave Sippel January 22, 2021, at 10:00am

   Roy,
   Thinking of you and sending our sincere sympathy to you and your family.
   Dave and Donna Sippel

4. Dale Goodfriend January 20, 2021, at 10:36am

   Dear Roy and Family, While it has been a long time since we worked together my fond memories of your
   leadership remains fresh. I am sorry for your loss and hope fond memories will live on and the pain will ease with time.
   Dale

5. Robert Elwood January 19, 2021, at 11:04am

   Dear Roy and family,
   So sorry to hear about your loss. Rosie and I will keep you in our prayers during this difficult time.

   May God bless

6. Al Berning January 18, 2021, at 6:00pm

   Roy,
   I was so sorry to hear about Liz. It was always great to see her at the PEMSTAR gatherings. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
   Sincerely,
   Al Berning

7. Nancy and Michael Plute January 16, 2021, at 6:48pm

   We were shocked and so sad to hear about the passing of Liz! We were neighbors on 25th Street in the 80's for 9 years! We had some great times,walking with neighborhood friends,and gathering for block parties! Liz and i liked to walk up to the old Mr.Donut, have coffee in the afternoon and sit at the counter and share a cake doughnut! Their girls babysat for our girls! One summer day Liz wheeled up an old sewing caninet that she was getting rid of, because she knew i loved antiques! So thoughtful! Liz had such a great laugh, smile and a great sense of humor! Roy and family...you will be in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time! Fondly, Nancy and Michael Plute
   We

8. Gail and John Boline January 16, 2021, at 12:26pm

   OMG! We are so saddened to hear this! She will be greatly missed! She was the BEST neighbor anyone could ask for and made our years in Rochester fly by with lots of laughs and memories forever! Rest In Peace dear friend!

9. Sarah Stotz January 15, 2021, at 10:56am

   Thinking of you during your time of grieving and celebrating a fabulous life well lived. Sending love from Colorado and please know you are in my heart. Love, Sarah Stotz

10. Trudi and Jody Lane January 14, 2021, at 9:54pm

    Liz was such a special person. Our whole family felt her kindness after the loss of our Mom. She was there with food, hugs and prayers. She will be missed!! Our prayers go out to Liz and the family.

11. Rita Kepple January 14, 2021, at 1:50pm

    Sorry for your loss during this difficult time.

12. Michael & Wendy Buckman January 14, 2021, at 1:38am

    To Steph & Family, Sisters, and Roy,
    These hours hurt so much knowing many a laugh was left to be had with your amazing Liz...A mom to every one of us who paid a visit to Durand. It will take much time but some day the tears now will be replaced with a smile and a chuckle - for Liz would have wanted it that way. Love to you All.

13. Mike and Pat Haider January 13, 2021, at 9:42pm

    Roy, We are sorry for your loss and our prayers are with you and your family.

14. Jackie Anderson January 13, 2021, at 5:23pm

    We are so very saddened to hear of Liz’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Roy and the family. I will always be able to hear her laugh and see her smile. She was a joy to know and spend time with.

15. Alice Kerr January 13, 2021, at 1:41pm

    No words can express how saddened we are by Liz's sudden death. We are thinking of you and extend our deepest sympathy. Liz was a wonderful friend and we had such good times together raising our kids on 25th Ave. I know you and your family have suffered a great loss. May all your wonderful memories help you find peace in the days ahead. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Dave and Alice Kerr

16. Patti Ressen January 13, 2021, at 12:30pm

    Dear Roy and family
    We are so heart broken to hear the terrible news .
    We love all of our memories with you and Liz❤️
    You are in our thoughts
    Love
    Patti and Norm Ressen

17. Janet Neuser January 13, 2021, at 12:29pm

    I am deeply saddened that Liz has been loss to you and your family, Roy. She was such a giving, friendly and fun person to be with as we grew up together.

18. Jim and Mary Wayne January 13, 2021, at 9:25am

    Our deepest sympathy for your loss. May your fond memories bring you comfort. Prayers to you and the family.

19. Jill and Dick Lueck January 13, 2021, at 8:45am

    Roy and family, Jill and I were deeply saddened to hear about the sudden and unexpected death of Elizabeth. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope all the fond memories will help bring you through the sadness.

20. Greg and Roxie January 12, 2021, at 8:36pm

    Our deepest sympathy to Roy and family. Liz brought joy and laughter whenever we were in her company. She will be greatly missed. May your memories bring comfort and peace to your hearts and ease your pain.

21. Charlie krueger January 12, 2021, at 5:30pm

    The passing of a wonderful person like Liz brings Maripat and I great sorrow. We so much enjoyed the times we were fortunate to spend Liz and Roy.

    Roy, you and your family have our deepest and most sincere sympathy.

    Charlie

22. Nancee and Dana Treadwell January 12, 2021, at 4:12pm

    Roy and family, it was heartbreaking to read of Liz's death. I know how much she will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you mourn the loss of your wonderful Wife, Mother and Grandmother. Nancee and Dana

23. Lucas and Heather Weissinger January 12, 2021, at 2:26pm

    Roy and family,
    So sorry for your loss. Liz was such a sweet lady and will be missed by so many. Cherish all those special memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you

24. John Coleman January 12, 2021, at 11:07am

    Roy, I'm deeply sorry for your loss of your love, Liz.
    Sincerely
    John Coleman

25. Shirley Stender January 12, 2021, at 9:43am

    Roy, so sorry to hear about your wife's passing. Certainly a shock for all of you. I'm sure you will find comfort in the many wonderful memories you have shared. Our condolences to you and your family. Mike and Shirley Stender

26. Bob & Dee Dee[KIng] Schutz January 12, 2021, at 8:57am

    Sending our sympathy to Roy and family along with Prayers for strength to get you through and comfort and peace.

27. Dick and Ruth Doughty January 11, 2021, at 9:39pm

    So sorry for you loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

28. Mark and Crystal Weber January 11, 2021, at 7:13pm

    We are so sorry and stunned to hear this news. Her and Roy stopped by just a couple days earlier to offer their condolences for Marcia. I’m so sorry to have to offer ours as well.

29. Richard and Janine Endl January 11, 2021, at 6:44pm

    We are so sorry for your loss. We hope your memories will always be in your hearts. Our deepest sympathies.

30. Ardys McNaughton Dunn January 11, 2021, at 6:26pm

    Liz was a rare light in this world...she brought such energy and joy to all of us. When I was visiting in Menomonie a few years ago, she dropped her paintbrush, scrubbed her hands, and drove up to meet us for lunch, saying "Painting can always wait. Friends can't!" We will all miss her so much. All my condolences.

31. Marv Vehrenkamp January 11, 2021, at 4:49pm

    Roy very sorry to about your loss and will be praying for you and your Family, God Bless your family, your are the Best, Marv/ Sharyn Vehrenkamp

32. Laura Boese January 11, 2021, at 4:06pm

    My heart is so broken - cant say enough good about Liz- truely a good friend and such a lovely person! HUGS AND PRAYERS TO YOU ALL! She will be missed by so many!

33. Lisa Berger January 11, 2021, at 2:49pm

    Dear Roy and Family,
    I have no words that can ease the deep sorrow and loss you all are experiencing, but we do send prayers and love. Liz’s friendship is very cherished, her humor, kindness and design talents were such a joy. Undoubtedly Liz touched so many of our lives.
    Our Deepest Sympathy
    Lisa and Gary Berger

34. Pat (Weisenbeck) McNaughton January 11, 2021, at 2:40pm

    Roy and family,
    I was so sorry to hear the news of LIz's passing. I will always remember the kindness you both showed me as I stayed with you when I first started to work at Mayo back in 1973. Thinking of you and your family.

35. Dick and Lori Anneke January 11, 2021, at 12:56pm

    We are so saddened by Liz's sudden passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to Roy and the rest of the family. We have enjoyed Liz's company so much, she was always laughing, she always had fun. Her joy for life was contagious. We will miss her so much, as we are sure everyone will. God bless her.

36. Ed and Vicky Biederman January 11, 2021, at 12:20pm

    Roy and Family,
    We send our deepest sympathy at the sad news of Liz passing.

37. John and Judy Parr January 11, 2021, at 11:51am

    So sorry for your loss hugs to all

38. Leonard J Broich January 11, 2021, at 10:10am

    Dear Roy and family,
    Linda and I are so sorry to hear about Liz, and we know words never. ever seem adequate. We have thought of you often as we drove around on our rides to/through Wisconsin.
    We will miss Liz and her smile !

39. Kathleen M. Smith January 11, 2021, at 9:39am

    Dear Roy & Family, I am so sad to hear of Liz's passing. I am sending you happy memories of your special Mom & loving wife. Kathleen Smith

40. Dallas and Monica Heitman January 11, 2021, at 8:43am

    Our deepest sympathy to all the family!

41. Bob and Lori Krings January 10, 2021, at 9:05pm

    Our sincere sympathy in the loss of Liz. She was such a wonderful, fun and kind person. She will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

42. Jenny Tulip January 10, 2021, at 9:05pm

    Roy and family:

    I am so sorry for your loss. Liz and Roy were just at my mom and dad’s place offering us condolences. I was just shocked to hear of her passing. She’s a beautiful woman inside and out. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

    Jenny Tulip (daughter of Marcia and Larry Weber)

43. Jim Bilderback January 10, 2021, at 8:14pm

    Roy, my sincere condolences on Liz’ passing. I am deeply moved by your sudden loss. Hopefully, all your great memories with her will sustain you!
    ❤️????

44. Darlene Huppert January 10, 2021, at 5:59pm

    We are so sorry for your loss. Liz and I worked at the telephone co. in Eau Claire after H.S. She was a wonderful person, God needed an angel in Heaven. Thoughts and prayers to the family.

45. Theresa Anderson January 10, 2021, at 5:34pm

    So sorry to hear this . Condolences to entire family from Travis’s Aunt Terry

46. Catherine Benson January 10, 2021, at 4:24pm

    Sending our prayers and thoughts to your family, all our Love.
    The Benson Family
    23rd Ave NW

47. Ryan Sheehy January 10, 2021, at 3:21pm

    I remember my first cousin as Betty.
    I used to play with her at Grandpa and Grandma Smick's home in Elk Creek. One time she came to watch me play fastpitch softball at Beef and Dairy Days Softball Tournament in Whitehall. Betty will be missed.

48. Beverly Heise January 10, 2021, at 1:50pm

    Sorry to hear of Liz’s passing. She was a great friend always ready to have some fun. We always did more laughing on the golf course than golfing.

49. pamela baier January 10, 2021, at 12:35pm

    Sincere thoughts and prayers to Liz's family! I did not know her well, but very much liked her when in her presence. She was a "real" person, loved her laugh, and her spontaneous personality! Blessings to all!

50. Marlene Moelter January 10, 2021, at 11:06am

    My heart aches for the sudden loss of a beautiful lady,my sincere condolences to her family. The good lord chose a special person,prayers to all????

51. Tim Carlisle January 10, 2021, at 11:05am

    Sorry for your loss, praying for you and your family

52. Tom & Mary Jean Schiefelbein January 10, 2021, at 10:49am

    To Roy & family..So sad to hear that Liz had passed away...She had such a pleasant personality and was a lot of fun to be with...She will surely be missed by all...Our prayers and thoughts are with your family..Tom and Mary Jean

53. Joe and Christi Lieffring January 10, 2021, at 9:46am

    Our hearts are broken, she was such a beautiful kind lady that had so much love for everyone. May God help you thru this very tough time.

54. Rosemary pientok January 10, 2021, at 9:44am

    My sympathy to the family of “BETTY” as I remember her. I am a relative (thru her dad..Dominic).

55. Rainie Harmon January 10, 2021, at 9:33am

    To the family of Liz Bauer, my memories go back to Durand High School and so many couples that stayed together. Liz was a very lovely person. Very sad to here of her and Marcias passing. My prayers for your loss and Rest In Peace Liz.

56. Violet Schlegel January 10, 2021, at 7:55am

    My deepest sympathy in your loss Roy, plus to the girls and their families in the loss of their mom & grandmother.
    Cherish every memory.
    God Bless.

57. Cheryl Traun January 9, 2021, at 10:05pm

    Such a wonderful lady. She always made a point to talk to you. She will be missed! Love that lady. Hugs to you Roy and your family.

58. Tami Bredeson Miller January 9, 2021, at 9:59pm

    My heart is absolutely breaking at this shocking news. Your beautiful, stylish, talented mother gave me one of the old friends I cherish most in life.
    Steph....my heartfelt prayers and love to you, your dad and your sisters.
    ((((Hugs))))

59. Terri Dematteo January 9, 2021, at 9:57pm

    I can’t believe she is gone only 2 days after you stopped at my dad’s house to extend your sympathy for the loss of my mom. I’m thankful for the friendship between you both and my parents. I’m so sorry for your loss. Liz was a genuinely friendly and sincere lady.

60. Donna Karshbaum January 9, 2021, at 8:08pm

    I am So Sad,So Sorry for Your Loss, I Loved Liz, So Full of Life, Beautiful Lady, God Bless all of You, I am Going to Miss Her So Much, Hugs and Prayers ????❤️????

61. Daniel Jerez January 9, 2021, at 7:06pm

    Sending you love we love you guys - Ananda and Dany

62. Dick and Kaye Norrish January 9, 2021, at 6:23pm

    So sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

63. Barry J. Bruns January 9, 2021, at 6:22pm

    Roy, I'm so sorry to hear about Liz's death. My thoughts are with you and your family during these difficult times.

64. Debi Hurlburt January 9, 2021, at 6:03pm

    Roy and family,
    Sending our deepest sympathy...you couldn’t have said it better..she truly was a “light”.

65. Jane (Adler) & Greg Corning January 9, 2021, at 5:43pm

    Roy and family,
    So sorry to hear of Liz’s passing. Too many kind Durand people leaving this world too soon! Liz had an infectious laugh and a bright smile. She was always so welcoming of others. She leaves behind a legacy of a beautiful family. Hold those memories tight they’ll help you on tough days. Grateful for having known her.

66. Richard Bates January 9, 2021, at 5:32pm

    To the Bauer Family: Sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Dick & Jan

67. Dawn, Jeremy and Tori January 9, 2021, at 5:17pm

    With heavy hearts, we pray for all of the Bauer family members. Our thoughts and prayers will be forever with you all. Liz was like a second mom for me growing up. Her great big smile and contagious laughter I will never forget. We love you, Liz!!!

68. Carol Ankrom January 9, 2021, at 5:05pm

    Stephanie and family,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Liz was such a beautiful person who always made me feel welcome in your home while we were growing up. I spent more time at your house than my own, and Liz was always loving and caring and fun! I know you will miss her dearly! She will be forever loved.
    ❤️Carol (Jung)

69. Pam Scott January 9, 2021, at 5:02pm

    I am a former high school class mate. I am so sorry to hear of her death. She was a special person. My Condolences are sent to her whole family.

70. Janet Bauer Simpson January 9, 2021, at 4:54pm

    My sincerest condolences on the loss of Liz. I knew her as a kid where we played in Durand park where the bandshell is. We had some good times.
    My heart goes out to Roy and the rest of his family.
    May she rest in peace.

71. Dean and Nancy Athanas January 9, 2021, at 4:54pm

    Dear Sara and family. We are heartbroken by the loss of your mom. Although we never met her she sounds like she was an amazing lady and raised a wonderful family. You will certainly be comforted by her lifetime of happy memories. She will always be looking down with a smile and always be by your sides. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. We were truly heartbroken to receive this sad news Sending much love. Dean and Nancy

72. Ellen drangstveit January 9, 2021, at 4:51pm

    Our prayers go to you Roy and his beautiful daughters. We were just devastated when we received the call.
    Liz spent her summers at our home in Elk Creek at Wally and Eleanor Smick. Lots of sleepovers and so many memories.
    Life isn’t fair a great woman and we all knew it. Social butterfly!

73. Bob & Pat Murphy January 9, 2021, at 4:42pm

    Roy and family,
    Please accept our heart-felt condolences for your loss.

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