Cold Spring
December 1, 1939 – September 10, 2026
Carolyn Marie Bauer, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by those who loved her.
Carolyn was born in Richmond, Minnesota, to Ted and Alvina Torborg. She was a graduate of St. Boniface High School and LPN School at Glenwood Hills, Golden Valley. Carolyn later married the love of her life, Gordon Bauer, on September 17, 1960, at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Richmond. Together, they built a loving home centered around family, faith, and community.
Carolyn devoted much of her life to caring for others and serving her community. She worked at Paynesville Hospital and later at Assumption Nursing Home for 25 years, and 19 years at Central Minnesota Foot and Ankle, where her compassionate nature touched many lives. She was also deeply involved in her church, including the Christian Mothers and the parish planning committee for the St. Boniface Church addition.
Above all, Carolyn treasured her family and friends. She enjoyed baking cookies, playing cards, dancing, sewing, and spending time with the people she loved. Her warmth, generosity, and sense of joy created countless cherished memories for her family.
Carolyn is survived by her devoted husband, Gordon Bauer; her children, Lynn (Kevin) Pierskalla, Lori (Rick) Kowalczyk, Todd (Janell) Bauer, Cyndi (Jamie) Cobbs, Brad (Krissy) Bauer; 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; siblings and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Alvina, and other beloved family members.
Carolyn will be remembered for her strong faith, loving heart, dedication to her family, and the kindness she showed to everyone she met. Her legacy lives through the many people whose lives she touched and through the generations of her family who will carry her memory forward.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 19, 2026, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, Minnesota. Burial will take place in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed at www.christcatholic.com.
Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, September 18th at the Wenner Funeral Home in Cold Spring, Minnesota. Visitation will continue from 9:00-10:15 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
The family would like to extend their appreciation and gratitude to the staff at St. Croix Hospice, Paynesville Hospital, and Paynesville Healthcare Center.
May she rest in eternal peace.
Arrangements are with the Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring, MN.
