Mary Lou Joan Bauer (Geronime) was born to Louis and Mary (Bearth) Geronime of Swiss decent on Nov. 27th, 1935 in St Paul, MN. The youngest of four and only daughter, she grew up on a dairy farm in Rosemount, MN. Louis and Mary 昀lled them with love, prayer, and work. They expected the best from their children and each one delivered.
Mary Lou’s life mission was to give. Her possessions and time here were nothing but gifts to share to God, church, family, community, Catholic Charities, and those in need. Mary Lou Geronime met and married Bernard Bauer on Dec. 27th, 1969 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rosemount. Bernard and Mary Lou raised 14 children from many countries and circumstances starting their family in a modest trailer which evolved into today’s farm. Simultaneously, Bernard and Mary Lou further opened their doors to other families that needed a bridge into a new life in America. Their generosity and love endures in us and all those they’ve touched.
Mary Lou was a devoted wife, caring mother, proud sister, and sweet grandmother. She was an enthusiastic gardener, baker, avid reader, and a tender-hearted animal lover. She enjoyed taking pictures and sharing all of those memories with her family. She cheered on Norte Dame and her favorite MN high school hockey and basketball teams. She never missed an activity or parent teacher conference for any of her 14 children. Her days began and ended with prayers, smiles, contemplation, and she never missed an opportunity to compliment someone, make a new friend, send a card, or visit the sick or grieving. Any discomfort was offered as penance to Baby Jesus and any challenge greeted with love.
This open armed, devoted crusader, and angel of joy was called back to heaven on Sept. 6, 2022.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Mary Geronime; her brothers, Bob, Don and Gene Geronime; and her son, Vincent Bauer.
She is survived by her husband, Bernard Bauer; her children, David (Becky) Bauer, Mary Anne Westman, Paul Bauer, Mary Margaret Bauer, Chris Bauer, Peter Bauer, Clara Bauer, Michael (Amy) Bauer, Joseph (Elena) Bauer, Bernadette Bauer, Maria (Troy) Wheeler, Anna Bauer, and John Bauer. She is also survived by her 32 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial, of昀ciated by Fr. Mike Tix, was held on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022 at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Vermillion, MN. Visitation was held on Friday, Sept. 9th from 4-7 p.m. at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St., Hastings, MN and one hour prior to mass at church on Saturday.
Interment services will be held immediately after Mass with funeral cortege to St. John’s Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to St. John the Baptist Catholic School.
