Donald L. Bauerly

Donald L. Bauerly, 91, of Sioux City died Friday, May 26, 2017, at Sunrise Retirement Community.

Cremation rites have been accorded.  Memorial services will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.  Military honors will be presented at the funeral home following the memorial service.  Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Donald Lawrence Bauerly was born July 17, 1925 in rural Merrill, IA to Joe T. and Luella (Barnett) Bauerly.  He was raised on a farm outside of Merrill with 4 brothers and 1 sister.  Don went to Liberty High School, graduating in 1943.

He joined the Navy in 1944 and served in the South Pacific.  Don served on many troop transports, also piloting a Higgins Boat during the assault on Iwo Jima.  For a short time, he was stationed out of Pearl Harbor and fell in love with Hawaii returning many times over the next 60 years.  Don was discharged from the Navy in April 1946, as Seaman First Class.  Along with his service in WWII, he served in the Sioux City Army National Guard for 30 years and served a tour in South Vietnam in 1968/69.

After returning to Sioux City, Don went to upholstery school on the GI bill.  He ran his own upholstery shop from 1950 until he retired in 1999.

Don married Betty LaBahn on November 19, 1947.  They raised 3 children, Ginger Lucille Bauerly (Oakland, OR), Donn Louis Bauerly (Council Bluffs, IA), and David Michael Bauerly (Sioux City).

Don was active in Blessed Sacrament and Nativity Church for his entire adult life.  He loved travel, gardening, and playing cards with friends and family. He particularly found joy in his nephews and nieces and their spouses.  Don was a member of the American Legion post 662 and past commander.

He is survived by wife Betty, daughter Ginger and sons Donn (wife Judy) and David (wife Patti); 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren; and many extended family members, friends and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Lucille and brothers: Maynard, Vernon, Francis, and Robert. 

The family encourages those who attend the funeral to NOT wear black. Don was an incredibly colorful fella and it would be an honor if those who attend to be colorful for Don.

Please, we ask in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Hospice of Siouxland who were so indispensable to Don for a very long time.