Vicki Sue (Grottke) Bauer

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

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

As a military wife she moved with her husband to Rantoul, Illinois, Fairbanks, Alaska and Duluth, Minnesota 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, her 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 animals, dogs especially, always having one throughout her life, and 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 with “the land”.

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

Preceded in death by her husband Patrick, parents Walter and Evelyn, and sister Sally.

A memorial service for Vicki will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026, at Hope Lutheran Church in Walker, MN, with a one-hour visitation prior at 10:00 a.m.  Pastor Matthew McWaters will officiate.  Inurnment will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Walker, MN in the spring.

Vicki’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN.  Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

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