Fern Bauer

Fern D. Bauer (nee Schill), 85, passed away peacefully in her home with her two daughters by her side on Friday, September 17, 2021. She was born in Lehr, ND on March 19, 1936. At the age of twelve, the family moved to Leola, SD where her parents were long time farmers. The oldest of six children, Fern could often be found in the kitchen cooking meals (many of which were German cuisine) for her parents and siblings. In her late teens, Fern and a sister, June, moved to Aberdeen, SD and both found employment at Tiffany Laundry. On June 10, 1956 Fern married Robert (Bob) M. Bauer of Hosmer, SD and June married Marvin Diede of Artas, SD in a double wedding ceremony at St. James Lutheran Church in Leola, SD. Shortly thereafter, Fern and Bob moved to Hosmer, SD on the Bauer family farm. In 1964, they moved and made their home in the Elgin, IL area. As well as being a homemaker, Fern worked at several laundry facilities (including the Chateau Louise). In later years, she worked at a local day care center cooking healthy, made from scratch, meals for the children and staff. She officially retired in 1996. Fern always enjoyed being in the kitchen and made delicious meals fit for an army. Any and all were invited to the table – just get yourself a plate. She worked diligently during the summer months canning and freezing fresh vegetables and fruit to stock up for the winter months. She also enjoyed reading (especially anything written by author V. C. Andrews), playing cards, singing and playing piano at family get-togethers, scary movies, crocheting, helping with craft projects for Vacation Bible School and children’s Sunday School, and word search puzzles. Daily reading of the Upper Room and Bible was one of her greatest commitments. She was a member of Community United Methodist Church in South Elgin, IL where she taught children’s Sunday school. The sound of her laughter, bright smile and sometimes witty humor will be greatly missed. She was preceded in death by her parents Oscar and Esther (nee Mund) Schill; husband, Bob, of almost 40 years; father and mother in-law, Christ and Beata; two brothers-in-law, Roland Haase and Marvin Diede; and one sister-in-law, Gladys Schill. She is survived by two daughters, Penny Bauer and Cindy Bauer; four sisters, June Diede, Tina Stahlman (husband Bob), Linda Elenbaum (husband Ray), Violet Veil (husband Curtis); brother, Howard Schill; brother-in-law Jim Bauer (wife Maggie); uncle, Cliff Mund; aunt, Jeanette Krumm; aunt, Bonnie Mund; many cousins; nieces and nephews; great niec:es and nephews; and great, great nieces and nephews. Special thanks to all the staff at Vitas Healthcare who provided such wonderful care and support! Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Countryside Funeral Homes & Crematory, 95 South Gilbert Street, South Elgin, IL. Interment at River Valley Memorial Gardens, 14N689 Route 31, West Dundee, IL. Memorials to the South Elgin Community United Church or Vitas Healthcare (www.vitas.com) would be greatly appreciated.