Dennis Bradley Bauer

MADISON - Dennis Bauer, beloved father, and grandfather passed away on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Dennis was born on Dec. 26, 1948, to Alfred and Sarah (Paepke) Bauer of Spring Green.

Dennis was creative, artistic, and skilled with his hands and mind. In his early teens he picked up woodworking and began expertly crafting furniture and other items for his family. Following high school at River Valley High, Dennis worked as a carpenter for several years before deciding in 1970 that it was time to own and operate his own business. That decision resulted in designing and building a countless number of structures that will be part of our landscape for many years to come.

Throughout his 54 years in business, Dennis orchestrated thousands of projects including: office buildings, warehouses, private residences, and Post Offices in the state of Wisconsin. He was a true entrepreneur, leader, and visionary, who took great pride in the Company he created. Even more so was his pride in the fact that his son, Brad, and grandsons, Jacob and Justin, joined the business and will continue the legacy of Bauer Builders (formerly Wood, Bauer, and Raether Builders) as it continues to thrive today.

Dennis made countless friends throughout his life and over the past few difficult months we have heard from so many of them as to what a good friend he has been to them. Time and time again we heard the words: Loyal, honest, caring, great sense of humor and someone who would be there for support through difficult times. Special thanks to Teri “Bunky” and Don Dummer, Joel Minkoff and Kim Lockwood for their support and friendship throughout Dennis’s illness.

A wonderful brother, brother-in-law, and uncle, Dennis was fortunate to have strong family ties. Regular card games and family gatherings with his seven siblings helped maintain that bond. Finally, Dennis the father was kind, understanding and supportive, providing his family with wonderful childhood memories and continuing to provide great memories into their adulthood. Dennis loved Sunday morning breakfast with friends, gardening, and special projects typically allowing his artistic side to shine.

Survivors include his son, Brad; daughter, Tawnya (Rich Weiss - partner); grandsons, Jacob and Justin Bauer; brothers, Stanley (Rosetta), Russell, Ronald (Audrey Blau - partner) and Kevin (Barb Brander - partner); sisters, Carol (Jack) Schmalowski, Sharon (Leonard) Heiser and Diane Bauer (Gene) Wilkinson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; friend, Beverly Connor; niece, Gina Bauer; and nephew, Michael Bauer.

As many have mentioned, the fact that Dennis passed away on Labor Day is a tribute to the hard work and dedication he embodied his entire life.

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.

Memorials may be gifted to the family to be designated to the UW Carbone Cancer Center in honor of Dennis. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420