Vicki Bauer

Vicki Sue Bauer of Walker passed away Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, unexpectedly at St Joseph's Hospital in Park Rapids with family by her side.

Vicki was born to Walter and Evelyn (Kelsow) Grottke Aug. 4, 1953. She married her high school sweetheart, Patrick J. Bauer, and they were together for 47 years until his passing Dec. 25, 2019.

As a military wife she moved with her husband to Rantoul, Ill., Fairbanks, AK and Duluth during his service in the Air Force.

After being discharged, Pat and Vicki planted roots in Walker where they raised their two children, PJ and Tiffani. She worked nights at the Ranch House Supper Club for many years so she could be at home with them during the day.

Vicki retired from WHA School working as a paraprofessional where she loved helping children learn.

After retirement, she and Pat took a trip of a lifetime to Africa, and that's where she fell in love with giraffes.

Vicki was a devoted mother, having close relationships with both her children. Brody and Bennett, her grandchildren, were her pride and joy. A special bond was created, when she took care of them as infants for a couple months before they entered daycare.

Something she passed down to them was her love for playing cards – they enjoyed countless games of UNO. Vicki loved to shop and it was best when she found that "good deal." Black Fridays were always a special event every year! She had a passion for animal – dogs especially, always having one throughout her life. Poodles always held a special place in her heart.

After Pat and Vicki retired, they split their time between Walker and "The 80" in Wisconsin, visiting family, friends and up-keeping "the land."

Vicki will be lovingly remembered by her son, Patrick Bauer II; daughter Tiffani (Cade) Bednarski; and grandsons Brody Bauer and Bennett Rhodes.

She was preceded in death by her husband Patrick; parents Walter and Evelyn; and sister Sally.

A memorial service for Vicki will begin at 11 a.m. Feb. 4 at Hope Lutheran Church in Walker with Pastor Matthew McWaters officiating. A one-hour visitation will be held at the chruch starting at 10 a.m. Inurnment will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Walker in the spring.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

Vicki's care has been entrusted to the Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker.