Laura Ann Bauer

Laura Ann Besch Bauer, age 63, of Ames, Iowa passed away on December 21st, 2025, at home with her family by her side.
Laura was born to Ralph and Nancy Besch on September 4, 1962 in Rockford, IL. They lived in Rockford until Laura was 9. At that time her father who was with Sundstrand transferred to Columbus, IN. where they lived until Laura was 12. Her father transferred once more, this time to Ames, Iowa. Laura always considered Ames home. Those were her "formative/growing up years."
Laura graduated from Ames High School in 1980. She went to DMACC in Ankeny for an AA degree in Human Services and lowa State for her BS degree in Social Work. After college Laura moved to Los Angeles for a brief time with some former college roommates. She missed the Midwest so she settled in and called Minnesota home for the next 23 years. Laura really enjoyed living in MN and all the career and recreational opportunities.
Laura had a brief marriage to Donn Bauer which blessed her with an amazing daughter Sara who she was forever grateful for.
Laura loved working with the elderly and in health care. Her two primary positions were with Fairview Health Services and Blue Cross Blue Shield in MN. Laura was always a working single mom who was involved in her daughter's extensive activities. Laura didn't have time for hobbies then but was always one to volunteer at her employment and also planned fun group work events.
When Laura moved back to Ames in 2009 she worked for Hospice of Central Iowa in West Des Moines and Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames. Laura returned to Ames to be able to help her mother and see her daughter who was attending Iowa State University.
After being back in Ames for two years she ran into her high school boyfriend Todd Egeland at Wal Mart and years later they married on December 2, 2021.
Laura opened Acorn Antiques and Consignments on Main Street in Ames for three years. She carried on her mother's passion for Antiques until she could no longer due to the cancer. Laura developed relationships with her customers and consignors, many who became friends and like family to her.
After "retiring" Laura slowed down. She started reading, caring for plants and flowers and volunteering. She liked watching Iowa State sports, going to movies, comedy, and live music. She liked to look at recipes, cook and bake. She considered herself a bit of a "foodie" and enjoyed a fine meal. She loved to travel. She appreciated getting to see and try new things. Her happy place was the ocean. Her favorite trips were to Mexico, Costa Rica and Punta Cana.
Laura is survived by her husband Todd and daughter Sara. Her Aunt Louise Warnimont and 3 cousins Suzanne (Roger) York, Cindy (Patrick) Mahoney, Dr. Christopher (Maria) Warnimont. Also special to her were Mary and David Warnimont, Ardie Warnimont, Tom and Marlies Schoenau and a group of amazing friends. She is preceded in death by her grandparents, father Ralph and mother Nancy Besch, her sister Theresa and brother Michael.
A celebration of life and burial will be held at a later date.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to The Mayo Clinic, University of Iowa Hospitals, Bliss Cancer Center, and Suncrest Hospice for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Laura. Memorials may be given to any of these organizations, to an animal shelter or rescue in her honor (she had a special love for dogs), or to a charity meaningful to you.
Special thanks to everyone for the continued support, prayers, and encouragement over the past four years. They helped Laura keep going more than you know.