In Memory of Jerry W. Bauer

Jerry Bauer, age 68, of Odebolt, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the Odebolt Specialty Care of Odebolt, Iowa.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., with a visitation held an hour prior from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at the St. Martin’s Catholic Church of Odebolt, Iowa. Father Joseph Dillinger will officate. Inurnment will follow in the St. Martin’s Cemetery of Odebolt, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Odebolt, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com 

Jerry Wayne Bauer the second child of four born to Wayne and Dorothy (Siepker) Bauer, was born in the Horn Memorial Hospital of Ida Grove, Iowa, on August 23, 1955.

Growing up on a farm south of Arthur, Iowa, Jerry learned all about farming from his father Wayne. He received his education in the Odebolt-Arthur School District graduating high school with the class of 1973. Jerry went on to further his education at the Spencer School of Business located in Spencer, Iowa. After two years of college, Jerry’s father Wayne suffered a stroke which brought Jerry back home to run the family farm.

In the late 80’s, Jerry sold the farm and begun working as a farm hand for various local farmers. In his youth Jerry enjoyed: bowling, trap shooting, playing cards and playing slow pitch for St. Martin’s. He also was an avid baseball fan and had the opportunity to attend games for his beloved St. Louis Cardinals. The day after Thanksgiving if you were within ear shot, you would hear Jerry rooting on his Iowa Hawkeye’s as they played the Nebraska Corn Huskers.  

Jerry treasured time spent with family especially his nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. When he could he enjoyed attending their sporting events and activities.

Survivors include his sisters: Donna Bauer of Omaha, NE, Joleen Manion of Omaha, NE, and Darlene (Mark) Lussman of Storm Lake, IA; nieces and nephews: Wayne (Christie) Manion, Beth Arias (fiancé Jay Goode), Joshua (Oliva) Manion, and Matt (Sara) Lussman, Jeff (Angie) Lussman and Jessica (Scott) Bettin; great nieces and great nephews: Brooke, Maclin, Jensen, Piercen, Mason, Isabelle, Joshua Jr., Rose, Kiptyn, Brigham, Addy, Easton, Braxton, Erin, Caden, and Calvin; extended family and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Wayne and Dorothy Bauer, paternal and maternal grandparents; and niece Cami Bettin.