Leon Bauer, 84 of Willey, died Friday, February 3, 2023 at St. Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, February 9, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Willey. The Celebrant will be Fr. Timothy Schott. Music will be by Jane Heithoff and the St. Mary’s Choir. Mass Servers will be Aiden Handlos and Ella Brenny. Lector for the Funeral Mass will be Steph Bauer. Gift Bearers will be Nora Bauer, Hayden Bauer, Tucker Bauer, Olivia Bauer, Piper Bauer, and Rhett Bauer. Eucharistic Minister will be Mary Schreck. Honorary Casket Bearers will be Nicole Bauer, Steph Bauer, and Keri Bauer. Casket Bearers will be Tim Bauer, Brian Bauer, Mark Schreck, Dan Handlos, Gary Handlos, Russ Grossman, Dave Wurzer, and Daryl Quandt. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Willey.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll. Additional visitation will be from 10:30-11:15 a.m. on Thursday at the St. Mary’s Parish Hall.
Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for Leon’s family at www.sharpfuneral.com.
The youngest son of Conrad and Clara (Langel) Bauer, Leon was born on September 7, 1938, in Willey, IA. He grew up on the family farm south of Willey and graduated from Kuemper High School in 1957. After high school, Leon devoted his life to working on the farm assisting with the family grain and hog operation. He also took great joy in caring for his calves.
Leon had a deep appreciation for his family and spent much of his time with his niece, nephews, great-nephews, and great-niece. Two years ago, Leon moved to Carroll where he would spend his winter months. He would still take frequent trips to the farm to help his nephews with the grain and hog operations and spend his summers on his farm.
Leon found joy in the simple things in life like a hot cup of coffee, fresh baked sweets, a shot of whiskey, and good conversation, with family, neighbors, and his Porch View family. He was always quick with a smile and had a contagious laugh. Leon was an avid supporter of the Kuemper Knights and enjoyed watching many basketball and volleyball games. He was often found supporting his family on the softball field and at their many other activities. He enjoyed daily cups of coffee with his McDonald’s and Family Table crews. Leon was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Parish in Willey and enjoyed attending those masses as often as he could.
Leon is survived by his niece, Linda, nephews Dan, and Dave and his wife Lori, all of Willey; his great-nephews Tim and wife Steph, Brian and wife Keri, and great-niece, Nicole, all of Willey; 6 great-great nieces and nephews: Nora, Hayden, Tucker, Olivia, Piper, and Rhett, as well as many extended family members and friends.
Leon is preceded in death by his parents, sister Beatrice, brother Norbert, and sister-in-law Ardis.