James Michael Auer, 62, of New London, died unexpectedly on Thursday, March 6, 2014.
He was born in New London to Jerry and Eileen Jane (Rohan) Auer. He was raised in the home that he would later share with his family, gladly never moving from the farm throughout his entire life. Jim married Tina Thern on January 31, 1976. Together they cultivated the land as a family farm, which continued into the next generation as he recently partnered with his son, Grady. Jim graduated from New London Senior High in 1969. He continued to support the Bulldogs as an avid fan. He proudly served New London for over twenty years on the local school board where he gladly spent his Monday nights debating and conversing with anyone willing to discuss any topic, relating to the district or not. Jim was an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in the township of Lebanon, a staunch supporter of FFA and 4-H clubs, a patriotic American, and a lover of anything chocolate. Jim’s greatest pleasure was spending time with his 13 grandchildren, of whom he loved each dearly. Through them he passed on his love for farming, joking, and eating ice cream for breakfast.
He is survived by his wife Tina, and mother, Eileen Jane Auer, New London; children: Jeremiah (Kim) Auer and their children, Jeremiah II, Grace, Anna, Ella, Aidan, of Almond; Heidi (Nicholas) Stein and their children, Olivet, Ira, Una, and Arlo, New London; Maria (Nick) Salmon and their children, Liliana and Zinnia, Chicago, IL; Grady (Sarah) Auer and their children, Griffin and Emery, New London. Also, siblings: Joan (Tom) Wilson, Yuma, AZ; Joe Auer, New London; Sheila (Matt) Wilson, New London; Joyce Lynch, Edwardsville, IL; Jeanne (Kevin) O’Brien, Appleton; Sue (Harry) Hitchcock, Yuma, AZ; and Paul (Aimee) Auer, New London.Survivors also include his mother-in-law Helen Thern, New London; sisters and brothers –in-law: Paula (Glenn) Upp, Appleton; Julie (Rod) Barkholtz, New London; Amy (Tom) Baumgart, Greenville; Beth (Phil) Knutzen, New London; Victor (Leigh) Thern, New London; Scott (Heidi) Thern, New London; Jamie Thern, Kaukauna; and Eileen Auer, New London. He was preceded in death by his father Jerry, father-in-law John Thern, brother-in-law Jimmy Lynch, and nephew Wyatt Thern.
The Funeral Mass for Jim will be held on Monday, March 10, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in the Town of Lebanon with Rev. Msgr. Dennis Lally officiating. Friends and family may attend the visitation for Jim that will be held on Sunday, March 9, 2014 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Cline and Hanson Funeral Home in New London and at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the mass. Cline & Hanson Funeral Home, New London is assisting the family with arrangements. www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com