Isabelle was born December 3, 1918 to William and Minnie (Barth) Feller. World War I was just ending. Life was simpler then. She was raised on a farm south west of Cissna Park, went to church in a horse and buggy, attended a one room rural school, canned food from the garden, butchered hogs, and raised chickens. Her days were long, her work was hard, and her life was rich and good.
Education was always important to Isabelle. She obtained a teaching certificate from Illinois State Normal University, turned right around and began educating students not much older than herself, in a one room schoolhouse nearly identical to the one she attended as a child. On June 27, 1948 Isabelle married the love of her life, George Bauer. Together, they raised five children on a farm south of Paxton. During the course of her child-rearing years, she continued to pursue higher education. It took a number of years for her to complete, taking late afternoon and evening classes while she and George were busy raising a young family. Her dedication and hard work paid off when she received her baccalaureate degree from ISNU in 1962 and her Master of Education Degree from the University of Illinois in 1966. Altogether, she taught a total of 23 years.
Isabelle’s philosophy of life was simple: Keep learning, loving, laughing, laboring, listening, and most importantly, trusting God in all things. In her diary, she wrote, “Keep your mind active, have a joyful heart, be content with what you have and most of all, love your Savior and appreciate what He has done for you.” She gave her heart to the Lord and was baptized May 9, 1954 at the Apostolic Christian Church of Cissna Park, Illinois. There she spent a number of years teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible, imparting the truths of God’s Word to her beloved students.
On October 17, 2024 Isabelle passed away peacefully at Fairview Haven in Fairbury at the age of 105. Preceding her in death were her husband, George Bauer, seven brothers, Willis, Marv, Art, Bud, Chowie, Dick, and Glenn Feller, one sister, Rosella Bucher, one grandchild, Crystal Bauer, and one great-grandchild, Calvin Kaupp. She is survived by her five children, Lonnie (Kerry) Bauer of Oro Valley, Arizona, Gwen (Dick) Steffen of New Paris, Indiana, Lindy Bauer of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, Betty (Tim) Kaupp of Gridley, Illinois, and Sherman Bauer of Champaign, Illinois, 11 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held on Monday, October 21 from 9-11AM at the Fellowship Hall of the Apostolic Christian Church in Cissna Park, IL. Funeral to follow at 11:00AM, also at the Fellowship Hall. Burial will be in the Apostolic Christian Cemetery in Cissna Park.
Memorial gifts may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in honor of her love for children.
Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park.
Please share a memory of Isabelle at knappfuneralhomes.com.
