Phyllis Jean Bauer, 87, of Waterloo, died Monday, June 13, 2016 at Friendship Village Lakeview Landing.

Phyllis Jean Luck was born on January 21, 1929 at her grandparents’ home in Waverly, the daughter of Glen and Velma (Bolton) Luck. She grew up in Clarksville, New Hartford and Waterloo. She had very humble beginnings life was difficult for the Luck family. At age 18 she met a feisty young man named Dick Bauer. They fell in love and soon eloped, Phyllis married Richard “Dick” Lloyd Bauer on April 4, 1947 in Hiawatha, KS. Their life was full- 3 kids, lots of friends, parties, and stock car races, but Phyllis carried wounds and insecurities inside.

In 1972, a friend invited her to Falls Avenue Wesleyan church. At last she understood how much God loved her and she was finally able to let go of her hurts and experience a freedom and sense of peace she had never known.

Phyllis received her degree in Interior Design and worked in the Furniture and Floor Covering Department at Montgomery Wards for 25 years. Phyllis had a great love for her family and the Lord. She was an active member of Cedar Valley Community Church and in the Shut-In and Hospital Ministry.

Phyllis delighted in her family- she beamed when surrounded by her kids, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved people, always striking up conversations with everyone she met. Friends soon became family and she loved taking “stray kids” into her home.

She loved shopping and couldn’t resist a bargain. No wonder she always looked like a million bucks!

Her greatest gift was her tender, caring heart. She was a servant- reaching out to shut-ins, sewing quilts to give away, and always lending a hand. She not only listened and counseled, but she was faithful to take each concern to her Heavenly Father.

Phyllis will be greatly missed, but she is home at last with the Lord she adored.