Marianne Connelly Bauer

On a brisk winter’s night in Lindsay, Nebraska, Marianne Connelly Bauer was born to Frank Connelly and Elizabeth Connelly (Widhalm); she was the youngest of five siblings. Marianne grew up on the family farm and attended Holy Family High School, graduating as Valedictorian in May of 1958. She then attended Mount Marty college in Yankton, South Dakota graduating as a registered nurse.

While working at a hospital in Nebraska, Marianne traveled to Hawaii. This was the first of three trips to the islands she took over the course of her lifetime; Hawaii was one of her favorite places. Shortly after returning from this first trip, Marianne met the love of her life, Frank Edmund Bauer. The couple was married on June 20th, 1964 in her hometown of Lindsay. Marianne continued to work on several different units over the course of her career as an RN, most notably working nights on intensive care and coronary care after the family moved to Wisconsin. Then in 1970, Frank and Marianne bought a property in Colorado and built their forever home.

After beginning their adventure in Colorado and having their third child, Marianne became a homemaker. She was dedicated to her family and cared deeply for all those around her. She especially loved children and is remembered for the impact she had on all the kids she cared for over the years. Her passion was creating an inviting and relaxing home, welcoming family and friends at any time of the day or night. She accomplished this through indoor and outdoor hobbies alike, most notably flower gardening and home decorating.

Marianne was also passionate about her Catholic faith. Over her lifetime, she stayed active in young adult Catholic groups, alter and rosary groups, perpetual adoration, and Bible study groups. Here, she made many lifelong friends from around the country that attest to her sense of humor, kindness, and generosity. Her love for Christ and the Church was the source of her constant, effortless joy, for which she is most often remembered.

Marianne is survived by her husband Frank and her three sons Jeffrey (Deborah) Bauer, Jerold (Kelly) Bauer, and Terrell Bauer, along with eight grandchildren. Marianne is also survived by her siblings Robert (Maxine) Connelly, Alice Sprunk, Therese McHugh, and Joseph (Janice) Connelly. Marianne is preceded in death by both of her parents, brother-in-law Arthur Sprunk, and daughter-in-law Emily Bauer.

You are invited to attend Marianne’s services: funeral mass at 11:00am on May 25th at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Brighton, CO. A rosary preceding the funeral mass will begin at 10:30am. Then a short reception will follow the funeral mass beginning at approximately 12:00pm. Internment will be at Briggsdale Cemetery. 

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