Gerald ‘Gerry’ Lee Bauerle

On Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, Gerry, a loving husband, brother and uncle, passed away unexpectedly at home at age 68. Gerry was born in San Bernardino, Calif., to Gerald D. and Eula (Carter) Bauerle.

He grew up in Redlands, Calif., and attended Redlands High School, where he was a star linebacker for the Redlands High School Terriers. He attended college briefly at Crafton Hills College.

After high school, Gerry joined the U.S. Navy, became a Seabee and was stationed in Guam for a brief time. After the Navy, Gerry worked for GTE in Palm Springs and Redlands, Calif. for many years. He was a member of the Black and Blue Division in Mentone, Calif., and remained in contact with fellow members for many years.

In 1989 he married Jeanine Hagen and they resided in Redlands. After a few years, they moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where he continued to work for GTE. He was responsible for multiple pay phones throughout Northern Idaho. His area covered the Idaho/Canada border, Kootenai, Shoshone, Bonner, Boundary, Latah and Nez Perce counties. He was a very loyal and considerate employee and co-worker. He retired from GTE after 28 years and worked briefly for the Coeur d’Alene Eagles, of which he was a member.

Gerry loved billiards, music and fishing. His favorite band was the Grateful Dead and he probably owned every recording made, whether on vinyl or disc. He made many, many friends here in Idaho and even joined some patriot groups.

His greatest quality was his personable nature. He could remember every name and would always call out to people when he saw them on the street. He watched over the neighborhood and was not afraid to call out speeders. He was extremely empathetic and would give you the shirt off his back if it was needed. He was always available in a crisis and never complained when someone needed him.

Gerry is survived by his wife, Jeanine; brother, Greg Bauerle and sister-in-law, Susan Bauerle. He was an uncle to Jennifer Keogh and Kevin Bauerle and enjoyed being in the company of his great-nieces and nephews. “Uncle Behr” was much loved and will deeply be missed. Gerry is preceded in death by his father, Gerald D. Bauerle; mother, Eula; and stepfather, Gaylen Grimes.

A celebration of life memorial will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020, at 2816 Mulberry Court, Hayden, ID 83835. Please visit Gerry’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.