Gerald "Jerry" F. Baures

Gerald Francis “Jerry” Baures, age 87, of Fountain City, WI, died peacefully on October 8, 2023, at the Gundersen Health System Hospital in La Crosse, WI, surrounded by family.

Jerry was born on January 31, 1936, in Bluff Siding, WI, to Millard and Mayme “Monica” (Przybylski) Baures. Jerry attended Bluff Siding School, Cotter School, and Winona High School. While in high school, Jerry worked for Warner Swasey/Badger Equipment, the Spur gas station, and on his parent’s dairy farm in Bluff Siding.  In 1954, Jerry joined the United States Army where he deployed to Korea for two years during the Korean Conflict.  While serving in the military, Jerry was a train engineer that delivered troops and supplies throughout South Korea.  He was very proud to serve his country and to be called a Veteran.

Upon returning from the military service, Jerry went back to work at Warner Swasey/Badger Equipment in the jig and fixture department as a welder and engineer, before retiring after 46 years. During retirement, Jerry continued to work on his parent’s dairy farm in Bluff Siding. Throughout the years, he enjoyed helping his parents on the farm with their Holstein cattle, planting and harvesting crops for them, while working his own farm as well.

Jerry enjoyed going to auctions where he purchased many antiques including buggies, wagons, Red Wing crocks, old machinery, and other vintage farm equipment.  The collection Jerry accumulated was his pride and joy. He met many friends throughout that journey, spending hours talking to many people about his collection, how it was used on farms, and who once owned the antiques.  Living on his farm on the hill, Jerry filled his sheds with all his interests. Jerry was a Green Bay Packers fan, enjoyed getting on game boards, and he had a love for John Deere equipment. He also enjoyed spending time with his extended family, Mark, Paul, Bill and Jim Burfeind.

Jerry was a member of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka in Winona, and the VFW in Cochrane, WI.

Jerry is survived by his brother: Thomas (Lorraine) Baures, along with their children: Ron (Kerrie) Baures, Bob (Kristy) Baures, and Julie (Mike) Hoffman, and their children: Bekka Baures, Taylor Baures, Natalie and Ashley Hoffman.  Jerry was preceded in death by his parents: Millard and Monica; a sister and brother-in-law: Virginia (Raymond) Cyert, and their son Jim; surviving children of Virginia are: Barb (Brad) LaDuke, their children: Chris, Amy, Brian, Hannah, and Izaiah; Bill (Rose) Cyert, and their children: Michelle, Matt and Mike; Dan (Gail) Cyert, their children: Corey (Jess) and Candice (Matt); Tom (Cindy) Cyert and Kevin Cyert.  He was preceded in death is a sister and brother-in-law: Joan (Wayne) Puetz; Joan’s surviving children are: Linda (Mike) Wadewitz, Dave (Patti) Puetz, Mike (Becky) Puetz, Patty Smith and Gary (Wendy) Puetz.  Jerry  was also preceded in death by his great-niece, Brooke Baures, whom he often referred to as “Rivers” when she was little.  Jerry is survived by 50 great-great nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life to honor Jerry will be held at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, 376 E. Sarnia St., Winona, on Sunday, October 22, 2023, from 1 PM until 4 PM.  Jerry will be laid to rest with Military Honors at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, MN, at noon on Monday, October 23, 2023.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Jerry’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home of Winona is assisting the family with arrangements.