Donna Bauer

NOTICE: Rock Rapids, IA Donna Bauer, age 87 of Rock Rapids, IA died Monday, June 13, 2011 at the Rock Rapids Health Care Centre in Rock Rapids. Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Friday, June 17th at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids with Rev. Dan Kordahl officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids. Visitation will be Thursday, June 16th from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM with the family present from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids. Donna Marie Bauer was born July 13rd, 1923 in Rock Rapids, IA to John and Eleanor (McTaque) Akkerman. She grew up and received her education in Rock Rapids graduating from High School in 1941. On March 18, 1946 she was united in marriage to Francis Albert Bauer in Luverne, MN. The couple made their home in Rock Rapids where they lived, worked and raised their family. Along with the duties and responsibilities of her family, Donna worked as a cook at various restaurants in Rock Rapids including the Hilltop Caf and finally retiring from Lanes Corner Caf downtown. Needless to say, she was a wonderful cook and her family will always remember her delicious baked chicken and the many Christmas and Thanksgiving celebrations together at Grandma and Grandpas home. These were especially precious times for Donna as she loved her family very much. She was a member of the Ladies VFW Auxiliary. Donna had an affinity for raising beautiful potted geraniums. She had many in and around her house that she kept and tended for years and years. Every fall they would lovingly be transported to her basement to be cared for until the next spring when they would be brought out for all to enjoy. Donna really enjoyed coffee time downtown with her friends. As the years passed and walking became more difficult, Donna used a scooter chair and could often be seen zipping down the sidewalk for coffee time. This past Monday morning, Donna Bauer passed away quietly at the Rock Rapids Health Centre at the age of 87. She will be greatly missed. She is survived by her three children, Jerry (Roxie) Bauer of Owatonna, MN; Judy (Lee) Hollander of Omaha, NE and Douglas Bauer of Rock Rapids; seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and extended family members. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 60 years, Francis Bauer; daughter-in-law, Ardell Bauer; sister, Audrey Ver Maas; and brother, Bob Akkerman.