Douglas P. Bauer
Douglas P. Bauer, age 76 of Eau Claire, formerly of Durand, died Thursday, February 5, 2015 at the Chippewa Manor Nursing and Rehab Center in Chippewa Falls with his family by his side.
Doug was born on June 17, 1938 in Durand. He was the son of Leo S. and Rose (Prissel) Bauer. He grew up in the Rock Falls area and graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Lima, rural Durand. After high school, Doug entered into the U.S. Air Force in 1956 and was honorably discharged in 1960. Doug married Sharon Patraw on November 11, 1961 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church-Lima. After marriage, Doug and Sharon made their home in the Durand area where Doug worked as a bartender and at the Durand Canning Factory. In 1976, Doug and Sharon bought the Chippewa Club in downtown Durand. They owned and operated the Chippewa Club for over seven years. After selling the bar, Doug worked for Bauer Built until they moved to Eau Claire in 1986. While living in Eau Claire, Doug worked for Landmark Company for almost 30 years. Doug worked his entire life until his cancer prevented him from working.
Doug loved watching sports, especially watching his granddaughters in the Eau Claire Ski Sprite Water Show Team, where he was adopted by many as the “Team Grandpa”. He also enjoyed spending time at the casino, golfing and going to horse races. Most of all, Doug loved to spend time with family and friends.
Doug is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sharon, two daughters; Leisha (Micron) Gust of Burnsville, MN and Heidi (Barry) Weber of Eau Claire, four grandchildren; Daniel (Lisa) Berger of Shakopee, MN, Jamie Berger of Eau Claire, Amanda Weber and Brittany Weber, both of Eau Claire, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, one son; Douglas D. “Dougie” Bauer and one brother; Darold Bauer.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Chippewa Manor Nursing and Rehab Center for all of the loving care and support they have given Doug and his family.
Memorial Services will be 7:00 PM Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand with Military Honors provided by the Durand American Legion Post #181. Ron, Addie and Micron Gust will officiate. Friends may call from 4:00 PM until the time of services at the funeral home on Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Doug’s name to the Eau Claire Ski Sprites, PO Box 1746, Eau Claire, WI 54702.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.