Louise Marie Bauer

Louise Marie Bauer was a proud Wisconsinite—born in Monroe on July 19, 1941, to the late Lillian (Gruenenfelder) and Adolph Bigger, raised in Darlington, and a longtime resident of Waunakee, where she spent her full adult life. She was the fourth of six daughters: Lillian (Gene) Douglas, Margaret (Lawrence) Hardyman, Mary (Erv) Hoeper, Rita (Paul) Cobb, and JoAnn (Ron) Bradt.

Louise passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025, surrounded by her three devoted daughters, following a period of declining health due to Alzheimer’s Disease.

A 1959 valedictorian of Darlington High School, Louise made the remarkable decision to attend UW–Platteville on a scholarship. She was the first in her family to pursue higher education and among only 30% of women who graduated that year—an example of independence and determination that caught the eye of Dale Edwin Bauer. They married shortly after she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education, with an emphasis in English, minor in physical education, and later earned a Public Library Certificate.

With her degree, she taught English to high schooler's but spent the majority of her career as the dedicated director of the Waunakee Public Library. A passionate advocate for civic engagement, Louise also volunteered for many years as an election judge in Dane County. When she wasn’t working, she loved beating everyone at cards, conquering crossword puzzles, and spending cherished time Up North with her family.

She is survived by her loving husband, Dale Bauer, with whom she shared more than sixty years of marriage. They would have celebrated their 62nd anniversary in July. Louise also lives on through her daughters, Teresa (Roger Aiello) Bauer, Kristy (Mike Norton), and Kerrie (Dustin McNulty); and her cherished grandchildren, Lucas and Nick, Cameron and Caroline, and Sage and Julia.

Louise was not only a devoted mother but also a fiercely intelligent, independent woman who lived her life on her own terms. She balanced the demands of traditional motherhood with profound feminism, carving a path that inspired her daughters and all who knew her. In her final years, as her memory faded, her family cherished the love and dedication that had defined her life.

A Memorial service will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St John’s Catholic Church 209 South St Waunakee, Friends may call at the church on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. A Reception will follow at the Waunakee Public Library.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family. Donations will be shared with Brighton Hospice-Madison, whose care meant so much and will also help create a lasting memorial at the Waunakee Public Library.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home

5785 Hwy Q

Waunakee, WI