LA MOILLE - Rick Louis Bauer, 63, of LaMoille, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 16 at Zion Lutheran Church of Clarion with Rev. Kevin Weeks officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, June 15 at the church.

Rick was born April 1, 1955 in Mendota to Dean and Lois (Timm) Bauer. He married Dawn Ann Sterchi on Sept. 25, 1976 at Holy Cross Church, Mendota.

Survivors include the love of his life, high school sweetheart and wife of 41 years, Dawn; his two sons, Matthew (Mandi) Bauer of Mendota and Jonathan (Lauren) Bauer of Yorkville; grandsons, Landon and Paxton Bauer of Mendota, Jack and his “little peanut” Leona Bauer of Yorkville; one sister, Dawn Truckenbrod of Nebraska; a nephew, niece and great-nieces; and his “adopted” brother and sister, Steven and Ruth Ann (Walter) Sterchi.

He was preceded by his parents and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Rick was a 1974 graduate of Mendota High School. He was a lifelong farmer of Clarion Township, farming the family farm lovingly and proudly. For the past 25 years he was employed by Hendrix Town and Country in Leland where he immensely enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow coworkers and his customers. He loved his family and life dearly. He enjoyed life and never met a stranger. What was important in his life was the love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his loving family and friends. Rick was the real deal.

He was a past board member of the Mendota Farmers Elevator and the Mendota Tri County Fair where he established the Antique Tractor Show. He was a life long member of the Badger Steam and Gas Engine Club in Baraboo, Wis. and was involved in the Illinois Valley Cursillo, also serving as a team member. He enjoyed restoring antique Allis-Chalmers tractors and gasoline engines and displaying them in many tractor shows in the Midwest. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening and attending flea markets. He cherished attending all of his grandsons’ athletic and musical events. His motto in life was “be happy onto the Lord.” He was a genuine person who would go above and beyond to help anyone in need.

Memorials may be directed to Cops4Cancer, Zion Lutheran Church or the donor’s choice.