John J. Bauer of Port Washington, Wisconsin was born on September 3, 1943 in Milwaukee, WI to John H. and Gertrude Vindick Bauer. On Friday, October 4, 2019, age 76, John passed away peacefully at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton, Wisconsin with his daughter and son at his side.
John grew up in Brookfield, Wisconsin and as a youth enjoyed bowling and softball. He received an associate degree in accounting and was always up for a game of Sheepshead.
On July 10, 1965, John married Violet A. Lohr of Milwaukee. Raising their family in Sussex, he worked with a paper product distribution company for many years. He also served as a Village of Sussex Trustee and will be remembered for organizing and lighting the Sussex fireworks and at the Milwaukee lakefront years ago. Later in the late 1980’s, John and Vi moved to Minnesota where he worked with another paper distribution firm. Returning to Wisconsin in 1992 and settling in Port Washington, John began selling commercial real estate. Violet preceded him in death on January 9, 1995.
At a ceremony in Port Washington, John wed Susan D. Voigt Knebel on January 20, 1996. Together they enjoyed camping all over the state. They belonged to the West Bend Kettle Kampers, a Chapter of the Wisconsin Camping Association where he was an active member until, Susan predeceased John on December 18, 2018.
He is survived by his children Lisa “Lee” Bauer of Greendale, WI, Rhonda (Mike) Wells of Turtletown, TN and John (Glennette) Knebel of Dallas, GA. John is further survived by grandchildren Rebecca Wells and Casey Rohman, his sister Patricia (Gerald) Gundrum of Grayslake, IL, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
John is preceded in death by his two wives and his daughter Michelle “Mitch” Bauer.
Funeral services will be held at 11AM Saturday, October 12, 2019 at POOLE FUNERAL HOME/Crematory, 203 N. Wisconsin Street, Port Washington, WI. Visitation 9-11AM Saturday prior to services. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, Milwaukee, WI.
Memorials to Ozaukee Christian School, 1214 Hwy 33, West Bend, WI 53095 or the Humane Society of donor’s choice.
POOLE FUNERAL HOME/Crematory, Port Washington, WI assisting the family. Information and condolences available at www.poolefh.com or 262/284-4431.
RIP My friend You were one of my first friends in high school and the memories I have with you are all good. From Sheepshead with the guys to later in life with the ladys in our life and dinner before. I’ve moved to Florida and won’t be there at your service but will be there in spirit.
I’m Sending a donation to HAWS the humane society in Waukesha.
RIP John. Good friends for 66 years. Now you and Susan can play sheepshead again. Gona miss you both a lot.