Geraldine Geri Bauer

Geraldine “Geri” Bauer, of Mondovi, 91 years well lived, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, November 1, 2024 at Care Partners Country Terrace in Eau Claire.

She was the proud daughter of Orrie and Julia (Gunderson) Olson of Strum, born on September 30, 1933.

On October 25, 1952, Geri was united in marriage to Bernard “Bernie” Bauer of Mondovi. They honeymooned in Florida.

Baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, Geri converted to Sacred Heart Catholic Church when she married her husband.

Geri grew up in the Strum area, the second oldest of 2 sisters and 2 brothers. She was given a daytime driver's license at the age of 12. She was head cheerleader at Eleva-Strum high school, graduating in 1951. She was a very good athlete throughout her young life and enjoyed playing softball and became a 600 series bowler.

She did many things during her life, was a secretary at Eleva Strum high school and Loomis motor. Geri and her husband owned a bar in Eleva and farmed in the Mondovi area. She also worked with Bauer Auction Co along with Ashley Furniture in the door framing area for 14 years, retiring at the age of 73.

Following her retirement, she worked with her husband, Bernie as a coordinator for placing many foreign exchange students. Together, she and Bernie made many memories and adventures as they traveled to Hawaii, Switzerland, Italy, and Brazil along with many trips to Las Vegas and visiting many of the 50 States.

She cherished her grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as her dog, Chester.

Geri was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bernie in 2014; parents Orrie and Julia Olson; In-laws, Leo and Christine Bauer; twin granddaughters, Melissa and Tricia Stanton; sister, Orrine O’Brien; brothers in law, Joe Klimek, Walter “Bud” Brion, Roger O’Brien; sister in law, Rachel Olson; Bernie’s brothers, Paul, Frank and Jack Cullen. 

Geri will be sadly missed by her children, Kim Stanton, Kerry (Cindy) Bauer and Kelly (Fred) Paul; grandchildren, Casey (Sara) Stanton, Julia (Derek) Buchholz, Tom (Taylor) Paul; great grandchildren, Levi, Thaddeus and Lucia Buchholz and Teddy Paul; sister, Joanne Brion; brothers, Mike and Bob Olson; also, by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 12:00 noon at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mondovi with Father Emmanuel Asamoah-Bekoe as Celebrant.  Inurnment will be at the Parish Cemetery at a later date.  A visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, November 7 from 10:00 AM until the hour of the Mass.

The family of Geri would like to take this opportunity to send a heartfelt thankyou to the entire staff of Care Partners for the care they gave her for 4 years and lovingly called her "Gram". and also, to St. Croix Hospice staff and nurse, Ellen.