Carol A. (Johnson) Bauer

With great sorrow in our hearts, we announce the passing of Carol Ann Bauer, 80, on Friday, July 5, 2024.  She passed peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family while under the care of Interim Hospice.

Carol was born on July 16, 1943 in Unity, WI to the late Russell and Florence (Schreiber) Johnson.  On October 20, 1962 she married the love of her life, Kenneth G. Bauer in Wausau, WI.  Together they raised five children in the home they built together and lived in for over 50 years.

Carol's calling in life was taking care of her family.  By Ken's side, they started Ken Bauer Construction. They became involved in the Wausau Area Builders Association, enjoying all aspects of the building industry and meeting new people along the way.  Carol loved and looked forward to all holidays and family celebrations.  She enjoyed decorating her home for each festive occasion.   She loved collecting and displaying her special finds whether it be owls, teacups, figurines, or just about anything she found beautiful.  Visiting craft fairs, flea markets and dinners out was always a fun time.  She enjoyed summers at the cottage and many other travels and road trips.  The Fourth of July was a special time when family and friends would gather for holiday fun at the lake!  In her later years she enjoyed feeding and watching the birds and tending to her many plants and flowers.  Most of all she loved her family and friends and spending time with them any chance she could whether it was a long visit or a quick phone call.

Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Kenneth Bauer, Wausau; her children, Barbara (Kevin) Stepan, Mosinee, Russell (Lois) Bauer, Wausau, Larry Bauer, Wausau, Becky (Clayton) Sternot, Mosinee; her grandchildren, Andrew Stepan, Victoria (Nick) Heitman, Michelle (Jeffrey Robinson) Bauer, Tyler (fiancé Brianna Slack) Sternot, Allison Sternot; her great grandchildren, Charlie Robinson, Ruby and Peter Heitman; her siblings, Janet Lemmer, Pamela (Steve) Misoni, Dale (Cindy) Johnson and many other family and special friends she held dear to her heart.

Besides her parents she is preceded in death by a son Randy Bauer; a brother David Johnson and many other close family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, August 23, 2024 at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau.  Visitation will be held on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.  A luncheon will be served following the service.  Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.   Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

The family would like to express a sincere thank you to all the wonderful people from Interim Healthcare and Hospice, Aspirus staff, family and friends who helped Carol and the entire family through this difficult time.