Louise A. Bauleke

Louise A. Bauleke, age 75 of Elysian, passed away on Tuesday April 12, 2016. She was born on February 4, 1941 to Cora (Warnke) and Ernest Lemberg in Gaylord, MN. She had a contagious joy for life and held on to her positive outlook throughout her journey with cancer. Her strong faith helped guide her through the challenges that came her way. Louise was active in her church and enjoyed knitting prayer shawls, visiting the elderly, helping with bingo at the local nursing home, and participating in the Mary Unit bible study. She shared her baking and cooking skills with family, church functions, and as a gesture of caring and concern to many others. She was a member of the Elysian American Legion. Louise married John J. Reilly at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Arlington, MN in 1962. Together they were blessed with five children. John and Louise farmed in the Le Sueur area for 26 years. Later they managed Greenland Supper Club in Elysian for seven years. After John passed, Louise returned to her true passion working as a caregiver in various capacities. She loved work and retired only two years ago due to health issues. She had told her family and friends, "Why retire when I am capable of doing a job I love. God put me on this earth to help those in need." Louise married Sheldon Bauleke in 1999 at First Lutheran Church in Le Sueur, MN. Sheldon joined Louise at her home on Lake Francis in Elysian, MN. Louise was always supportive of her children and grandchildren. She attended sporting events, musical performances and many other activities. Her hobbies included knitting, reading, swimming, walking with friends, socializing and playing cards. Family looked forward to holidays and family gatherings, particularly 4th of July week at the lake. She is survived by her husband, Sheldon, children: Robyn (David) Pfarr of Le Sueur, Ann (Mark) Zeiher of Le Sueur, Amy (Brent) Voelker of Andover, and John Jay (Kim) Reilly of Elk River; Step-children: Tom Bauleke and special friend Shannon Larson of Le Sueur, and Cindy (Tom) Edbom of Le Sueur. Grandchildren: Matthew (Brooke) Pfarr, Erin, Brett and Chris Pfarr; Megan, Amber and Mason Zeiher; Ella Louise Voelker; Ty John and Jack Reilly. Step-grandchildren: Ben and Sara Bauleke. Other survivors include: Cousin Elizabeth Epple; Roger (Deb) Kramer and family, Ron Kramer and family, Rick Kramer and family. Louise is preceded in death by her first husband John (1996), daughter Kari (1988), and her parents. Visitation will be held Friday April 15th from 4-8 pm at First Lutheran Church in Le Sueur and will continue at the church on Saturday morning one hour prior to the 11:00 a.m. Memorial Service. Luncheon at the church followed by internment in Arlington Public Cemetery in Arlington, MN. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers to: Ridgewater College Foundation (Kari Reilly Memorial Scholarship), or Hospice- Mankato Health Care Foundation.