Wilfred J Bauer

Wilfred "Shorty" Bauer, a man who stood taller than his name, age 81, of Eagle Lake, died Saturday, August 30, 2008 at Immanuel-St. Joseph's Hospital in Mankato.

A memorial service will be held 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Mankato. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday at Mankato Mortuary and continues one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Memorials may be given to the donor's choice.

Shorty was born August 8, 1927 in Lake City, S.D. to Joseph and Katie (Fink) Bauer. He grew up and graduated from high school in Britton, S.D. Shorty married Delores Hummer on October 30, 1951. He owned the Mobile gas station in Britton, and did crop spraying until he moved to the Mankato area in 1956. Shorty worked at Hubbard Milling, sold insurance, and worked at Continental Can Co. He also owned a small engine repair shop in Eagle Lake where he repaired outboard motors, and sold and serviced Toro lawn products for over 25 years. Shorty obtained his pilot's license when he was 18 years old and enjoyed flying for many years. He also enjoyed cutting and polishing agates. Shorty was a member of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Mankato.

Shorty is survived by his wife, Delores of Eagle Lake; son, James (Mary) Bauer of Eagle Lake; three grandchildren, Jason (Laura) Bauer of Eau Claire, WI, Justin Bauer of Eagle lake, and Jessica (Travis) Berentson of Mapleton; six great-grandchildren; one sister, MaryBarbara (Leon) Reinertson of Forman, N.D.; three brothers, Joseph and Frank Bauer, both of Britton, S.D., and Harold (Donna) Bauer of New London; also many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother in infancy and brother, Alfred.