Date Posted: 2017-09-08
Maiden Name: Hansel

Celebration of Life Services for Joyce M. Bauer will be held on Friday, September 8, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Pastor Rob Kuefner and Pastor Bill Ohlmann officiating. Interment will be held in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington, following the services.
Joyce Marie (Hansel) Bauer, 71 years of age, of Lexington, passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2017 at her home surrounded by her family, following a year-long battle with cancer. Joyce was born December 5, 1945 at Morris, Minnesota, the younger of two children born to Arthur Louis and Edith “Marie” (Regelin) Hansel. On December 20, 1945, she was baptized by Rev. H.C. Duchlmeier at the family home. As a young girl, Joyce was raised on a farm near Hancock, Minnesota. When Joyce was five years of age the family moved to Arapahoe, Nebraska, where her parents purchased a business. Joyce received her primary education from Trinity Lutheran Parochial School in Arapahoe, through the eighth grade. She was confirmed on April 10, 1960 by Rev. G. A. Weinrich at Trinity Lutheran. In 1961, the family moved to Lexington, where Joyce completed her education, graduating from Lexington High School with the class of 1964.
During her senior year, she met the love of her life, Larry Alexander Bauer of Lexington. The couple were united in marriage on August 22, 1964, and to this union three sons were born: Troy Allen, Ryan Lynn, and Kent Alexander. They made their home on a farm north of Overton, Nebraska. While living at Overton, Joyce was employed at Plectron Corporation as an electronics technician. In 1972, they moved to their new home in Lexington. After her boys were born, Joyce dedicated her life to caring for them, and being a homemaker. When the boys began school, she served her Lord as the custodian of her church for several years. Joyce then began a long career as an Associate Department Manager for District #637 Wal-Mart Store in Lexington. She loved working under store manager, Mike Millican until her retirement, after 26 years of service to the company. Her work ethic was pure devotion, and set a standard for her sons to emulate in their future careers.
After moving to Lexington, she transferred her membership from Trinity in Arapahoe, to Trinity in Lexington in 1961, where she not only served as the custodian, but helped with Wednesday night Catechism classes, Vacation Bible School, and served with the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League in the years past. Joyce also enjoyed her involvement in the Joslyn Jabber’s Extension Club for many years, and she and Larry loved getting together with their card club friends for special occasions. She also spent several years making friends as a Tupperware Rep. When retirement years rolled around, she and Larry enjoyed traveling together, spending time visiting with family and friends, and weekends with family at Johnson Lake.
Many miles were traveled, and countless hours on bleachers took place when the boys were involved in activities, and sporting events. After grandchildren, and her great-grandson arrived, they became the highlight of her life. And, in return they thought “Grandma Joyce”, and “Grandma-Great” walked on water. The grandchildren’s birthdays were always special with hand-sewn personalized birthday banners created by Grandma, which represented their current interests, and stage of life. In addition, her hobbies included: crafts, home decorating, and writing poems about her family. Her marvelous cooking, and baking skills will be missed. Serving others brought joy to her life.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Alex and Wilma Bauer; her brother, Clark Hansel; brothers-in-law: Ken Strickland, Roger Bauer, and Dale Tomasek; sisters-in-law: Cathy Bauer and Carol Bauer; and a niece, Linda Thomsen.
She leaves to celebrate her life; her husband of 53 years, Larry Bauer of Lexington; three sons: Troy Bauer of Cozad, Nebraska; Ryan Bauer and his wife, Jody of Holdrege, Nebraska; and Kent Bauer and his wife, Amanda of Lincoln, Nebraska; five beloved grandchildren: Kristen Johnson and her husband, Nathan of Johnstown, Nebraska; Jake Bauer and his wife, Heidi of Central City, Nebraska; Blare Bauer of Holdrege; and Blake and Morgan Bauer of Lincoln; one treasured great-grandson, Carter Johnson; sisters-in-law: Carol Hansel of Hastings, Nebraska; Phyllis Robinson and her husband, Archie of Holdrege; Beverly Tomasek of Omaha; Mary Bauer of Indio, California; Julia Tucker of Lee Summit, Missouri; Dorothy Larson and her husband, Fred of Loveland, Colorado; Marilyn Stephens of Englewood, Colorado; and Alyce Bauer of Overton; brothers-in-law: Donald Bauer and his wife, Bonnie of Cozad; James Bauer of Cozad; Thomas Bauer of Farnam, Nebraska; Steven Bauer and his wife, Carol of rural Eddyville, Nebraska; and Michael Bauer of Bailey, Colorado; in addition, she is survived by a host of special cousins, nieces and nephews who she loved individually, and many friends.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington.
A memorial has been established in Joyce’s honor and kindly suggested to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington.
Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com
The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.