Gloria Ann Bauer was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on April 20, 1939 to Pauline and Gordon Magnuson.

Gloria graduated from Johnson High School in 1957 and worked for the Minnesota Highway Department in various departments and positions.

Gloria married Larry Kenneth Bauer on September 16, 1961, in Ellsworth, Wisconsin. They bought a house in Minnetonka, Minnesota, where they lived until moving to Deronda, Wisconsin in June of 1972.

Gloria and Erma Morton started the Homespun Arts and Crafts Fair in 1973 which has become the Arts and Crafts fair held during the Amery Fall Festival.

Gloria worked as a paraprofessional for the Amery School District with special needs preschoolers and hearing impaired middle and high school students. She later became the activity director at Willow Ridge Retirement Facility where she continued working as an aide in the activity department until her retirement in 2016. She became a strong advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association and began several caregiver support groups.

Gloria began her own business known as BauerCraft, traveled to many conventions and art shows, and was involved in Amery Women’s Club, Neighborly Nights Homemakers, and St. Joseph Catholic Church.

In 2022, Gloria moved to Benedictine Living Community - The Gardens Assisted Living in Shakopee, MN. She enjoyed many activities at The Gardens and facilitated workshops utilizing her extensive Alzheimer’s knowledge.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry; her parents, Pauline and Gordon Magnuson; and her brother, Bruce.

She is survived by her children, Debra Bowers, Christopher (Christine), and Mitch (Sharon); 7 grandchildren: Brandon (Delisa), Shane (Angela), Steven (Anna), Matthew (Jessica), Maria, Mandi (Nick), Cody (Kenzie), and 12 great-grandchildren: Alyssa, Lyle, Alex ,Sophia, Eli, Koen, Micah, Jubilee, Ethan, Ryland, Teagan, Graham; and her special high school friends, Diane and Joyce.

Gloria’s family would like to thank the amazing and caring staff at The Gardens; and for the compassionate care provided by St. Croix Hospice during her final days. Thank you to the friends and family who have shared their love, prayers, and condolences. We know Gloria was truly loved.

Gloria – you and your homemade waffles will be missed by everyone.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00am on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amery, WI with a visitation one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Benedictine Living Community - The Gardens Assisted Living, Shakopee, MN or the Wisconsin Alzheimer Association.

Last Update: Sep 08, 2025 9:22 am CDT