My life began on September 2, 1943 when I was born to Louis and Bernice (Miller) Bauer and ended when I died peacefully on July 24, 2009 when I went to live with Jesus. However, it is the time, events and relationships between those dates—my dash—that have given my life purpose and meaning. Beaver Dam has been my home for all of my 65 years. I was a life-long member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church, having been confirmed in 1958. I graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1961.

Much of the purpose in my life has come through my work. After high school I went to work for Breuer Metal Craftsmen as their very first draftsman, which inspired my love for creating the structure and design for buildings, and put me on the path to become a Structural Engineer. Five years later, Englers in Horicon, and then King Manufacturing of Waupun, with whom I have worked on numerous projects throughout my entire career, also hired me as a draftsman, the first in this position at either company. From 1972 to 1987 I did drafting at Tesch, Tesch and Associates in Fond du Lac. During this time, I studied and completed coursework at home through the University of Wisconsin-Madison to earn my Professional Engineering license for the States of Wisconsin and Iowa.

A turning point in my life occurred on June 5, 1986, when I sustained a head injury and was hospitalized for 15 months. Because I had been living with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy since I was young, this accident meant I would need to use a wheelchair for the rest of my life; however, it also brought forth many opportunities. In 1989 I was able to go back to work and I started a new business as the co-founder and vice-president of Excel Engineering in Campbellsport, WI. Eventually I sold my share of that business and started my own company, Bauer Engineering, LLC, where I worked out of my home, designing and engineering many buildings, canopies, churches, factories, and stores. I enjoyed designing and doing the structural engineering work for many local contractors, as well as serving in this capacity with my old friends at Breuer and King. My proudest accomplishments are the structural design and engineering of the Bell Tower at First Lutheran Church, and the buildings for Nancy's Notions, Markesan State Bank in Waupun, and my last job, the Beaver Dam Chiropractic Clinic.

My life has been meaningful because of my friendships and relationships with my colleagues and co-workers. To my loyal associates and friends, Howard Floeter, Roger Schregardus and Bruce Reetz, thanks for all your help and for being there for me. Also, a special thanks to Jerry, Paul and Bernie Breuer, who came whenever I needed them. I also met many great friends while I was a Ham radio operator (WA9LFG).

The most important part of my dash has been my family. My sister, Lois, with my brother-in-law, Glenn Bennett, has been my caregiver and constant companion for the last nine years. I cannot express enough appreciation for all the care, love and help that they have shown me. Thanks are not enough! I love you both!!

Surviving me are my sister, Lois (Glenn) Bennett of Beaver Dam; my special nieces and their families, Lori Bennett (husband, Jeff Feinblatt) and son Bryn, of Madison; Juli (Tony) Wagner and Abbie of Beaver Dam; Diane (John) Wille and Ali and Jake of Burnett; and Brenda (Andy) Price and Ethan and Erin of Madison; one maternal aunt, Irene Stellmacher of Markesan; and several cousins and many close friends, including my special friend, Dinah Calhoun of Burnett.

I was preceded in death by my parents, aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends.

This is my dash—Bud Bauer

A Funeral Service for Bud will be on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at NOON at First Ev. Lutheran Church , 311 W. Mackie St. in Beaver Dam, with Rev. Mark Jensen officiating. Visitation will also be on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at the Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Service at NOON. Burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens in the Town of Trenton. A luncheon will follow the burial at the church. Memorials may be directed to First. Ev. Lutheran Church, Heartland Hospice or Muscular Dystrophy Association. You may send private online condolences or sign the family's guest book at www.cstonefs.com . Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.