Kenneth G. Bauer

Kenneth Gary Bauer, 85, passed away Wednesday, December 3, 2025. He passed peacefully surrounded by family under the care of Aspirus Hospice and Wood Aven Health and Rehabilitation.

Ken was born on February 10, 1940 in Fond Du Lac, WI to the late Theodore and Irene (Schmidt) Bauer.

Ken left high school to pursue his love of Carpentry and help support his family. He started working under other builders to learn the trade. It was on one of his jobs that he met the love of his life, Carol A. Bauer. On October 20, 1962 they married in Wausau, WI. Carol proceeded him in death on July 5, 2024. Together they raised five children in the home they built and lived in for over 50 years.

In his early years, Ken continued in the building trade working for Wausau Homes, Schuette Builders, and Weston Homes. After working for others, Ken decided to venture out on his own and started Ken Bauer Construction, Inc. Because Ken took so much pride in his trade and offered quality craftsmanship work, the business grew and proved to provide a stable life for his family. They became involved in the Wausau Area Builders Association, enjoying all aspects of the building industry and meeting new people along the way. Ken became president of the Wausau Area Builders Association for several years. He built homes for the Parade of Homes, participated in the yearly Home Shows and Christmas parades. Over the years Ken and Carol worked with wonderful employees, customers, contractors and many others in the building industry. He taught his sons the trade and at one point all three worked alongside him. After retiring, his son, Russell, took over the business. Ken loved continuing to advise and give his input on projects.

Ken and Carol built a cottage in the Northwood's and enjoyed spending weekends there relaxing and visiting any flea market or garage sale they could find. One of his biggest loves was collecting. If there was a collection to be had, Ken would start it. He especially loved collecting toy cars and trucks and any type of tools. He enjoyed sharing and talking about his hobby of collecting.

In later years, Ken spent his days alongside Carol helping where he could and spending time tinkering in the garage. If you saw Ken outside, more than likely, he was riding his scooter to get the mail or spending many hours mowing the lawn.

Besides his wife and parents, he is preceded, a son Randy Bauer; brothers Richard and Lamar Bauer; a sister Ramona Buchberger and other close family and friends.

Survivors include his children; Barbara (Kevin) Stepan, Mosinee, Russell (Lois) Bauer, Wausau, Larry Bauer, Wausau, Becky (Clayton) Sternot, Mosinee; his grandchildren, Andrew Stepan, Victoria (Nick) Heitman, Michelle (Jeffrey Robinson) Bauer, Tyler (Brianna Slack) Sternot, Allison Sternot; his great

grandchildren, Charlie Robinson, Ruby and Peter Heitman and many other close family.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 12, 2025 at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 2400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau. Visitation will be held on Friday from 8:30 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 nurses and staff at Aspirus Hospice and Clinics and the nurses and staff at Wood Aven Health and Rehabilitation. You have been a blessing to Ken and his family during this difficult time.