Vivian Bauer

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Vivian Bauer, 87, of Harrold, passed away Sunday, March 6, 2011 at the Maryhouse in Pierre.

Mass of Christian Burial were held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 14, 2011 at St. John’s Catholic Church, Harrold with Father Paul Nereparmpil, celebrant. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, March 13, 2011 with a 7:00 p.m. wake service at the church.

Viola Vivian was born to William and Catherine (Sullivan) Anderson on May 30, 1923 in Aten, South Dakota, northwest of Harrold, South Dakota.  It was Depression time as she was growing up and the family moved often.  She lived near Blunt during her first seven years of grade school, attending Felicia and Good Luck country schools.  She moved to Harrold with her family in 1936, and set her roots here until her health declined and she moved to Evergreen Manor in Pierre.  Vivian graduated from Harrold High School in 1941.

Vivian met August Bauer at a barn dance north of Harrold and a courtship began.  They were married November 30, 1941 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Harrold.  She became a pillar of faith and active at St. John’s Church for 75 years.  One of her greatest joys was when she became a Eucharistic minister and lector in the church.  She was a member of the Altar Society for 65 years.

Vivian was an avid supporter of the Harrold Public School where her family, including many grandchildren, attended school for 60 consecutive years.  She was a teachers aide, Booster Club supporter, serving as secretary, and helped with numerous fund-raising activities.  One of her best times was watching her family growing up and attending all her children and grandchildren’s school activities until the high school closed in 2008.  Only a blizzard could keep Vivian from attending a basketball game and sometimes not even that!

She was proud to be from the small rural town of Harrold, being involved in many events for the town.  She helped run Teen Town for several years, was a board member for the Harrold Apartment Building; often serving as secretary and also a member of the Rural Birthday Club.  She shared her love of life in this small town by writing the Harrold News for the Highmore Herald and Pierre Capital Journal.

Vivian will be remembered for her love of life, sense of humor, lending a helping hand whenever she could and opening her home to family, friends and others who needed a place to “land” for awhile.

Next to her faith, her family was her priority.  Her children who will miss her love and laughter are: Donna Mc Devitt of Cape Coral, FL, Sister Joelle Bauer of Sacred Heart Monastery, Yankton, Bob (Melanie) Bauer of Harrold, SD, Dennis (Judy) Bauer of Pierre, Jack (Carrie) Bauer of Temecula, CA and Jane Keller of Highmore; 19 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, sisters; Eleanor Hunsley of Pierre, Irene Myers of Gunnison, CO, and Sister Evangeline Anderson of Yankton, sisters-in-law; Evelyn Dolan of Grand Island, NE and Alvina Bauer of Highmore.

Vivian is united in Eternal Life with her parents; her husband, August; sons: Gary and Michael; son-in-law, Mike Mc Devitt; one brother, Joe Anderson; and sisters: Dorothy Weber, Evelyn Garrity Rausch and June Anderson.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Vivian’s arrangements.