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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Gerald J. Bauer

Gerald (Jerry) Bauer, 82, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully on June1, 2025. He was a kind, loving, hardworking Midwestern guy who loved his family. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patricia, their daughters: Linda Voorhees (George), Sherry Reese (Mike), and Jeannette Painter (Thomas), and five grandchildren: James Meek, Amanda and Jamie Rego, Jennifer and Ashley Painter, sisters: Francis Pankhurst (Mick) and Victoria Burris (Tom), sisters-in-law: Kathleen June, Jacqueline June (Daniel), five nephews, numerous cousins, and extended family.

Growing up in Toledo, OH, and Owosso, MI, he was good at almost everything excelling in school, sports and friendships. He lettered in football, tennis and track, and was halfback and co-captain of Owosso High School football team earning a football scholarship to the University of Toledo. While studying for a BBA and consistently on the Dean’s List, he had football practice, worked in the athletic department laundry, was a member of ROTC, a vice president of his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, class vice president, member of Blue Key National Honor Society, and recipient of the Toledo Businessmen’s Award.  Working as a graduate assistant he earned an MBA. After Army duty including Vietnam, he joined DuPont where he became a Global Marketing Manager and authored chapters in several sales and marketing books. After retiring, he had two consulting businesses: Bauer and Associates, Sales and Marketing Consulting, and Atlantic Marketing Workshops.

Jerry loved life and life loved him back. He was the ultimate sports fan cheering on all of his own teams plus preferred teams of family and friends. Teasing that if a ball wasn’t involved, he wasn’t interested, so Pat signed him up for ballroom dancing which he soon enjoyed. Jerry found great pleasure in feeding and watching the birds, squirrels, deer, and other wildlife from the kitchen window. He was always a gentleman and known for his wit, clever puns, and love of Hershey’s Syrup. Jerry excelled at board and card games and delighted in teaching them to his children and grandchildren. He loved nothing better than spending time with family and friends. His family cherishes the memories of holidays and decades of trips to Ocean City, MD. Jerry was frequently told he looked like Superman, and he will always be our Superman!

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Erwin and Anna Bauer. He will  be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 19th, 2025, 5:00pm – 8:00pm at Chandler Funeral Home 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803.

Funeral Service will be Friday, June 20, 2025, 10:00am at Delaware Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Rd. Bear, DE 19701.

 

 

Funeral Services

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 7:00 pm at the Chandler Funeral Home 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803. A Visitation will be held prior from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Interment will be Friday, June 20, 2025, 10:00am at Delaware Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Rd. Bear, DE 19701.

Condolences

    Rose Brownstein writes,
    Such an amazing life with so many accomplishments. You could have added humility and wow!! How good looking even in his senior years. I’m sure those very fond and treasured memories you have with him will sustain you during your times of sorrow and grief. I had a very brief amount of time with him but I’ll never forget how his subtle and delightful humor peeked out even when he was so ill. What a talent to put a smile on the face of others! Our sincere sympathy to all his family.
    06/06/2025 04:33 pm
    Jerome and Sharon Smith writes,
    We are so sorry to learn of Jerry's passing. We enjoyed knowing Pat and Jerry and working with him at DD. May his memory be a blessing.
    06/07/2025 04:24 am
    Sharon and Frank Tew lit a candle and writes,
    We’re so sorry for your loss. Your dad’s obituary was incredible—what a life. It’s clear he was a special man, and Sherry, we truly believe you are the best part of him. God gives us people like him as a gift, and his legacy clearly lives on in you. Sending love, hugs, and prayers to you and your family. With love, Sharon and Frank Tew
    06/07/2025 01:29 pm
    Vicky Burris writes,
    Jerry was one of the best brothers a girl could ask for. Even though I was just “slightly younger” than he was, he always used to say that. I always looked up to him, such a good role model, and am so proud of him and his beautiful family. He will truly be missed. Some of our favorite memories and times with him and family were spent at Ocean City, MD at the beach, Playing those card and board games, I think he actually even let me beat him at cribbage a few times. We also enjoyed his many yearly visits to see us in Michigan. He will forever and always be in our hearts and memories. We love you all. Vicky, Tom, Josh, Jess, Kyler, Kannon, Brandon, Susan, Brady, Kennedy and Sloane.
    06/08/2025 06:53 pm
    Gary Holcomb writes,
    We have been fortunate to live next to Jerry for the past three years. What a wonderful gentleman. He was extensively involved with our civic association for many years. We will miss him.
    06/09/2025 08:37 pm
    Kelly Burns writes,
    I have known Mr. Bauer since I was a toddler as he is my best friend's Dad. I've always thought of him as a Dad figure to me even though I hadn't seen him as often these days. I will always remember him as being sooo nice, happy, friendly and jovial with the warmest smile ever! He would always make me feel at home when I would stay with them every year for a week, growing up. Those are my favorite memories, growing up. I will cherish those memories forever. God bless Jerry always. I'm so blessed to have known him. Sending love to the whole family. Love, Kelly Burns 💖
    06/10/2025 04:03 pm
    Jerry & Nancy Woolpert lit a candle and writes,
    Enjoyed our card games and reminiscing about the good old days in Michigan. Our discussions revealed that Jerry (Woolpert) and Jerry (Baurer) both grew up in Owosso, Michigan. What a coincidence! So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He was a true Midwestern guy with a warm and pleasant nature.
    06/10/2025 09:10 pm
    Larry and Carolin Gibson writes,
    We are so sorry to learn of Jerry's passing. We moved from Wilmington 35 years ago and still cherish our many enjoyable and varied times together. Whenever we returned to Wilmington for a visit, we always felt at home staying with Jerry and Pat. He was a special guy and we will miss him. Love and blessings to Jerry's family.
    06/11/2025 12:04 pm

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