Valerie Ruth (Leschke) Bauer, age 69, a resident of Manitowoc, entered into eternal life on June 13, 2016 at her home with her loving husband by her side.

Valerie was born on December 11, 1946 in Manitowoc, daughter of the late Raymond and Ruth (Schultz) Leschke. She attended schools in Manitowoc. On November 9th, 1963 Valerie married Jerome (Jerry) Bauer at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Manitowoc. She worked at various places in between raising their eight children. Valerie was a loving and caring mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was the type of person that would give you the last piece of pie even if she didn't get one. Valerie was a fantastic cook and loved the family get-togethers during holidays or for any occasion. She lived for her children and grandchildren; she enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, playing bingo, and going to her so called "home away from home" - LAS VEGAS. Valerie was an avid dart ball player for over 30 years. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, but was a fighter and became cancer free for four years. She was then diagnosed with lymph node cancer followed by bone marrow cancer which took her life.

She is survived by her husband: Jerry; eight children: Wanda (Steven) Satori, Valders; Scott (Karen) Bauer, Manitowoc; Brenda Backus, Manitowoc; Cindy Meyer, Oshkosh; James Bauer, Manitowoc; Robert Bauer, Manitowoc; Geri Lynn (Christopher) Kluczinske, Manitowoc; and Sara (Blong) Lee, Manitowoc; 17 grandchildren: Alexander, Cortney, Trey, Amanda (Pedro), Brock, Brian, Randy, Danielle, Sierra, Kyle, Kaylin, Zachary, Carson, Melody, Harmony, Savior-Deuce, and Caius; six step-grandchildren: Angelina (Brad), Amber, Allison, Nichole, Brooke and Justin; seven great-grandchildren; Randy Jr., Dakota, Kallissa, Mylie, Malaqii, Phaedra, and Rubigail; sister: Bonnie Bastian, Manitowoc; two brothers: Roger (Mary) Leschke and Casey Leschke, all of Manitowoc; also, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Valerie was preceded in death by her sister, Constance Hoffmann, father-in-law and mother-in-law: Charles and Agnes Bauer; and brother-in-law: Roger "Digger" Bastian.

A Life Celebration Social will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2016 from Noon until 4 p.m. at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 North Water Street, Manitowoc, located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. A prayer service will be led by Rev. Dave Pleier at 3 p.m. Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any memorials in Valerie's name.

Valerie's family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Andrew Yetter, his staff, and Aurora At Home Hospice.

Valerie will be deeply missed by all and her memories will live forever.