Minerva Bauer Obituary: Minerva Amanda Elsie Schulz Bauer, a remarkable woman of unwavering faith, boundless love, and extraordinary resilience, peacefully departed this life at the age of 101 on March 13, 2024, surrounded by the warmth of her home. Born on June 12, 1922, in Colby, Minerva’s life was a testament to dedication, service, and love.
Minerva’s journey began in Colby, where she graduated from Colby High School and pursued further education at comptometer school in Milwaukee. Her career took her to Square D in Milwaukee, where she served as a bookkeeper until her marriage to the love of her life, Maynard Bauer, in 1945. She concluded her professional journey as a bookkeeper/bank teller at Nicolet Bank in Colby, leaving an indelible mark on all who crossed her path.
A devout member of Zion Lutheran Church, Minerva’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was baptized, confirmed, and married at Zion Lutheran Church, where she remained an active member throughout her life. Minerva’s service extended beyond the pews, as she sang in the choir, served on the altar guild, and diligently counted money for many years. She also shared her love of music by teaching piano lessons for an astounding 55 years.
In addition to her devotion to her faith and career, Minerva embraced life’s simple pleasures. She found joy in reading, playing piano, engaging in games of pinnacle, and relishing outdoor adventures such as camping and fishing.
Minerva’s legacy of love and devotion lives on through her cherished family, including her five children: Sydney Bauer (Pat Klimpke), Dale (Gina) Bauer, Marilyn (Steve) Carlson, Shelba Schilling, and Kirk Bauer. She was a proud grandmother to eight grandchildren and a doting great-grandmother to 16 great-grandchildren. Minerva is also survived by her brother, Kenneth (Marlene) Schulz, her sister, Lucille (David) Brecker, and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernst and Elsie, her beloved husband, Maynard, and several siblings.
A Celebration of Life honoring Minerva’s remarkable journey will be announced and held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church Altar Guild.
As we mourn the loss of a beloved matriarch, let us also celebrate the extraordinary life of Minerva Amanda Elsie Schulz Bauer, whose legacy of love, faith, and resilience will forever inspire us all.