On May 11, 2017, Gerald ("Jerry") Lee Bauer, 63, of Oelwein, IA, passed away at Cedar Creek Golf Course in Ottumwa, IA, doing one of the things that he loved. Jerry had a big heart and lived his life serving others. His exceptional selflessness, warmth and kindness nurtured deep relationships with friends and family. When he wasn't spending time with family or helping others, Jerry was traveling with his wife to see his children and grandchildren, playing ball, reading, lecturing at Sacred Heart Church or serving the community through the Knights of Columbus as a Fourth Degree Knight.

Born on September 16, 1953, in Peoria, IL, Jerry was the third son and fourth child to Belva and Newton Bauer. He graduated from North Fayette in 1971 and earned his BA from Upper Iowa University in 1976, where he was also on the University baseball team and part of the Beta Theta Phi fraternity. Jerry dedicated over 35 years of his life as an insurance and investments broker with Life of Iowa, where he was part owner and Vice President at the time of his passing.

Jerry is survived by his wife, son and daughter. His wife of 39 years, Susan Bauer, was the love of his life. Susan earned her BS summa cum laude from Stevens College. Susan is involved in the Liturgy Committee at Sacred Heart Church and serves as a medical Coding Supervisor at a prominent hospital. Jerry's son, Christopher (Averi) Bauer, earned his BA from the University of Northern Iowa and his MBA from the University of Iowa. He manages IT operations within the business aviation industry. Chris has two daughters, Brynlee and Adalynn. Jerry's daughter, Sarah (Brian) Riedel, earned her BA from the University of Iowa and is pursuing her Executive MBA from Georgetown University. She manages a portfolio of customers within the clean energy sector. Sarah has a son and daughter, Spencer and Riley. Jerry encouraged his wife and children to push their limits and follow their dreams, and in the last few years Jerry especially enjoyed being a grandfather. The love that his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family received from Jerry is reciprocated in the deep love and admiration that they will always have for him. 

Jerry is also survived by his three siblings, Roger (Peggy) Bauer, Richard (Jane) Bauer, and Kathy (Doug) Davis, and many nieces and nephews.

The family will celebrate Jerry's life at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home in Oelwein on Friday, May 19, 2017, from 4 to 7 pm with a Knights of Columbus Rosary service at 4 pm and a vigil service at 7 pm. The funeral service will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Oelwein on Saturday, May 20, 2017, at 10:30 am. Internment will be at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Oelwein following the funeral service. A memorial fund has been established. For condolences, please visit www.geilenfeldfh.com.