February 10, 1935 – Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Service Information
Zion Lutheran Church, Buffalo, MN
Friday, March 11, 2016
11:00 AM

Visitation Information
Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, Buffalo, MN
Thursday, March 10, 2016
4-8 PM

Gerald B. Hauer, age 81 of Buffalo, passed away quietly March 2, 2016 in Florida while traveling, and appreciating the fullness of life.
Gerald Bernard Hauer was born to Leona (Laffen) and Bernard Hauer of Hector, Minnesota, on February 10, 1935. He grew up in a farming family, and graduated with honors from Hector High School in 1953. He continued his studies at Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis, where he earned certification in drafting and architecture. He married Ardis Johnson on September 15, 1956, and they later moved to Buffalo, Minnesota, where they lived and raised 4 children. Just as they became empty nesters, and began looking forward to travel, Jerry lost his wife to illness. Jerry married Judith Murry on July 22, 1989, and with her raised and nurtured a second family.
A civil engineer and freelance architect, Jerry left his imprint in street plans, subdivisions, public buildings, and corporate projects locally, and throughout metro area. Actively involved in the community, and devoted to raising his children, Jerry spent decades volunteering in a number of youth-centered programs. He was a faithful and active church member: his commitment to his church family ranged from service on leadership councils and planning committees, to sharing his talents in design and construction. He inspired others with his vision, and worked with them to see projects through to the end. His generosity and loyalty to others earned him close and lasting friendships.
Jerry will be remembered as a man who understood the value of hard work and the satisfaction of a job well done. He was the father and grandfather who went out of his way to “show up” for everything, and who did so when it mattered most. As he walked two spouses through separate journeys with cancer, Jerry was always there, encouraging, listening, supporting–and doing so without complaint. He had a calm, steady presence, quick wit, good humor, and a knack for finding joy, even in adversity. He enjoyed life, and lived it well.
Jerry is survived by his children: Peter (Janelle) Hauer, Kris (Duane) Bordak, Laura Hauer, and Jana (Vern) Thorson, all residing in Buffalo; step-children Amy (Matthew) Intrieri of Albertville, Matthew Way of Prior Lake, Mary Way of Plymouth, Megan (Scott) Buck of Plymouth , Emily (Travis) Brott of Waukee, IA and Andrew (Dawn) Puroway of St. Paul; 23 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; sisters Gloria Ann Walter of Cosmos, MN, and Kathy Hanson of Montana; brothers-in-law Sheryl Johnson and Curtis Colvin, brothers-in-law Mike, Chuck, Tim, Rich, and Phil Murry, sister-in-law Joan Wesely; nieces, nephews, and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Leona (Laffen) Hauer, and his wives, Ardis (Johnson) Hauer, and Judith (Murry) Hauer.
A visitation for Jerry Hauer will take place at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN on Thursday, March 10, from 4-8 PM.
Funeral services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo on Friday, March 11th, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. Further visitation one hour prior to services at Zion Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association.