- Date Of Birth: November 24, 1934
- Date Of Death: June 11, 2014
- State: Michigan
Bauer, Mary Lucille, Richland, Michigan Mary made her final journey on Wednesday morning June 11, 2014. Her husband, the love of her life, Jim was at her side the entire trip! Mary was born in the small farm town of Graceville, Minnesota on November 24, 1934 to Mabel Leuthard and Otto Herzenach.
She was the oldest of five children and the only girl, but a bonafide tomboy at heart! Mary and her childhood friend, Norma Jean Zimmerman were known throughout the town as a “bit” mischievous, getting into all kinds of trouble. Mary attended Catholic school until the 10th grade. While attending Graceville Public Schools, she made many friends through various school activities, including cheer leading and band. During her childhood, Mary worked hard to have fun. Her favorite movie star was Roy Rogers and Mary explained that when Roy Rogers took up with Dale Evans, she was heartbroken.
Mary and her husband, Jim had known each other their entire lives. Upon Jim’s return from the Army, Jim finally worked up the nerve to ask Mary out on their first date. They drove to Clinton, Minnesota to see the movie, Dr. Zhivago. Mary and Jim were married on September 3, 1955 in Graceville, MN. Shortly after marrying, they moved to Fargo, North Dakota where Jim attended college and worked at the post office while Mary worked for the telephone company. In 1957, Jim took a job with John Deere Company which took them to Des Moines, Iowa. Jim took a new job with John Deere in Moline, Illinois a few years later. In 1966 they moved to Lisbon, ND where they settled for many years while Jim worked for Melroe Bobcat. During all these moves, they forged and cherished many friendships that remain to this day. Mary was an incredible woman.
She was involved in just about any community activity a person could think of – all while raising 6 children and keeping them out of trouble. Since 1977, they have called Richland, Michigan home. Mary of course, having 3 of her kids out of high school, still had 3 more to get through school and urged her kids to get involved in many activities, themselves. She was a thriving contributor to our community for many years. She is past president of Ladies of the Lake at Gull Lake, so any of you ladies still out there will remember the bridge club meetings on “Mary’s Boat” on Gull Lake. The day Mary was diagnosed with cancer, she exclaimed “Well, I am ready to go to Heaven… … besides, I want to see who made it!” Mary always had a sense of humor that could catch people off guard. She was very accepting of where she was at that moment in time.
She continued with jokes and stories up to the end. She lived her life with dignity, charm, humor and grace. Mary’s message to us is to “hold on to each other, keep loving each other, and keep forging ahead”. Mary has been reunited with her sons, Michael and James; her brother Allen Herzenach and her parents. She has also hugged so many of her dear friends in heaven, including her “soul” mate, Marion Fahey. Mary will wait patiently for her husband, Jim, as he has much more work to do here on earth.
Mary is also survived by her children, Karl Bauer, Garner, Iowa; Kathy Jon Wiltse, Fargo, ND; Peggy Ray Horner, Mapleton, ND; Laurie John VanderBerg, Richland, MI; Beth Brad Rodi San Diego, CA. Her legacy however, are her 7 grandchildren and 2 great grand babies: Parker Cayla Wiltse, Lisbon, ND; Joseph Wiltse Sioux Falls, SD; Jennifer Bauer, Garner, IA; Heather Bauer, Mankato, MN; Mac Horner, Mapleton, ND James VanderBerg, Richland, MI; Brooke and Megan Rodi, San Diego, CA; great grand babies are Brynn and Brooklynn Wiltse, also of Lisbon North Dakota. She also leaves behind her cherished life long friend, Norma Jean Zimmerman of Sacramento, CA. Last by not least, she is survived by her brothers Glenn, David and Paul Herzenach of Minnesota.
