Gerald M. Bauer age 79 of Durand, passed away on Monday August 9, 2021 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire.

Gerald was born April 14, 1942 at home in rural Durand.  He was the son of Edward L. and Margaret (Webb) Bauer and grew up in the Lima community.  He attended and graduated from Sacred Heart High School-Lima, in 1960.  After graduation from high school, Gerald entered the U.S. Army Reserves in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO.  After his active duty, he moved to St. Paul, MN where he worked for North Central Life Insurance Co.  Gerald married Antoinette “Toni” Brunner August 18, 1962.  After marriage they returned to Durand where Gerald worked for several area business doing accounting and bookwork.  Gerald also worked for Pepin County Highway Dept., Durand School District. Durand Federal Savings & Loan, as a Loan Officer and Branch Manager.  In 1986, Gerald and Toni purchased Rhiel Furniture Store, and operated Toni’s Interiors for 35 years.

Gerald was an active member of the Durand Community:  Served as Mayor for 15 years and was instrumental in obtaining grants for our local swimming pool, river walk and ambulance service.  He worked with corporations to bring the Durand Travel Stop, Cobblestone Inn, to Durand.  Gerald also served on the Pepin County Board and the Durand City Council.  He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight.  He would talk politics to anyone and everyone, with a smile.  Gerald enjoyed spending time with his grandkids.  He loved to watch them play basketball and volleyball.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Toni, two children, Scott (Tong) Bauer of Anchorage, AK; Sandi Bauer of Durand; five grandchildren, Evelyn, Alexis, Rocklan, Marc and Maria; two brothers, Don (Irma) and Norman (Pat), both of Durand; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Lois Bauer and Rheta Brunner.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 AM Monday August 16, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Durand.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Sunday at Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

Condolences

1. Noel Holinbeck June 21, 2023, at 12:39am

   Sorry, Toni, for being so tardy with this message but I lost my Christmas card list a couple of years ago and finally tried tracking down some names from the past. Two things to mention: 1. Jerry was the best by a long shot coworker I had in the S&L business or any other business and 2. He was one of two fantastic people I had the luck to know. (The other was a first cousin so Jerry and I must be related - somehow.)

2. John W Torgerson September 5, 2021, at 8:52pm

   I did a lot of business with Jerry in the early 1980's when he was at Durand Federal. He was a fun and honest man. May he rest in peace.

3. Patti Blount August 19, 2021, at 12:35pm

   I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Gerry. Sympathy to the family and Toni during this difficult time.

4. Pat Petrie/ Kurth August 18, 2021, at 3:40pm

   My heart goes out to you Toni, Scott, and Sandi. Your Father was a fine man, did well for our town. He will be missed.lise

5. Bob and Mary Zika August 16, 2021, at 7:42am

   Toni, Sandy, Scott, and your families,
   Our prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Jerry was so thoughtful and wise. He loved people and helped so many. We will greatly miss him. God's blessings to all of you and always.

6. Vicci Rosenberg August 14, 2021, at 8:35am

   Prayers for the family!! Gerald was a kind man. God bless all

7. Roger and Mary Poeschel August 13, 2021, at 10:00am

   Our sympathy for you loss, Jerry always had a smile and a kind word.

8. Jill Gruber August 13, 2021, at 9:07am

   My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. May you find comfort and peace in God's healing love.

9. Kay and Denny Longsdorf August 12, 2021, at 6:43pm

   Toni and family, we were sad to hear of Jerry's passing. Enjoyed knowing him. Our prayers are with you.

10. Ann Eager August 12, 2021, at 9:33am

    I am so grateful for the wonderful person and Father he was to Scott.

    May he rest in peace. My love and prayers to Toni, Scott,Sandi and family.

11. Rhonda Sweeney August 12, 2021, at 3:17am

    Many fond memories in the short time I’ve known Gerry. Good conversations. sending love to the family.

    Rhonda Sweeney

12. John and Patty Wayne August 11, 2021, at 9:22pm

    Our Heartfelt Sympathy goes out to you and your family .
    Gerald was a wonderful person, and a caring person. Thankful for all the great things he helped happen in our area.

13. Joe and Jan Drier August 11, 2021, at 8:11pm

    Sending our Deepest Sympathy to Toni and Family!

14. Rick and Carol Richardson August 11, 2021, at 7:21pm

    Sympathy to all.

15. Patricia Bauer August 11, 2021, at 4:50pm

    So sorry to hear about Jerry, such a nice and kind man. Sending Tony and family our prayers .
    Dave and Pat Bauer

16. Lee and Char Anderson August 11, 2021, at 4:14pm

    Toni and Family. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time, and we express our sincere sympathy. May Gerald rest in peace.

17. John and Judy Parr August 11, 2021, at 3:25pm

    Sorry for your loss

18. Donna Jones August 11, 2021, at 2:22pm

    Toni, Scott and Sandi......Our deep sympathy in the passing of your husband and father.....He was such a great man, always helpful and happy, very devoted to his faith, family and community. He will long be remembered.....may your memories and deep Faith be sources of comfort to you in the days ahead. Our sympathy, thoughts and prayers go out to you all.

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