Michael Bauernfeind

Bauernfeind, Michael Age 62, formerly of Milwaukee, WI, died October 5, 2008, from a rare lung infection called Blastomycosis. From 1999 until the end of his life he was paralyzed due to the autoimmune nerve disease C.I.D.P. Yet few realized the excruciating degree of pain he endured (unless they asked him how he was) because of his huge love of life and the way he laughed at the humor he found in ordinary situations. A Celebration of Mike's life event will be held in Milwaukee on Jan. 18, 2009. Contact the family for more event details at http:// www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com. "While the pain and paralysis that consumed Mike weakened him physically, his spirit, love of life, and caring for others grew stronger," said his beloved friend, Paul Mathews. "Through it all, Mike never lost his ability to say in one hundred words what could be said in ten, and his frequent digressions, range of topics and unique insights never failed to bring on great laughter. But I digress. I'm sure I am not the only one who is a better person for having known him, and we have lost a true friend." He is survived by his wife, Donna, of Wilton; his parents, Andrew (age 93) and Emily (age 91), who have lived with them for the past two years; his dear step-daughter, Dominique (Noel) Love Hansen and grandson, Aman, of Oakland, CA; a sister, Susan (Clay) Guthrie, of Milwaukee, WI; a brother, Tom (Ann) Bauernfeind, of Milwaukee, WI; and many other relatives and wonderful friends. Born and raised in Milwaukee, he graduated from Messmer High School in 1964. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee with a double major in History and Sociology. He worked at Milwaukee companies such as W.E., Brady, Boston Store, ACG, the Laureat Group, and MRA, along with establishing his own company, The Bauer Group, Inc. In 1987, Mike boldly launched a new product he created called Smile on a Stick. (www.smileonastick.com.) Over the past 21 years, the number of genuine smiles that this simple product has created around the world is impossible to calculate. In this feat alone, Mike more than succeeded in making the world a better place. His contributions to society didn't end there. He served in the Army Reserves and the volunteer training organization Future Milwaukee. When he moved to Western Wisconsin he was instrumental in restructuring the school district there by initiating and planning the first large parcel detachment in the state of Wisconsin. After leading a major local referendum to victory, he was soon nominated and elected Mayor of Wilton. Karen Parker, editor of the County Line, Ontario, WI, had the following to say: "Mike will best be remembered in the Wilton area for his civic leadership. The fact that Wilton now has an attractive public facility that houses the village office, library, community center and a number of small businesses can be attributed to Mike's foresight and willingness to take risks. Even after his illness confined him to a power wheelchair he continued to have an avid interest in politics and public affairs." The main principles he lived by were: Honesty, Service to others, Kindness, and Fun... especially Fun. He didn't understand when people called him an "inspiration," but the joyful way he lived his life, even in the face of adversity, was an inspiration to everyone who met him. His smile and laughter live on in our hearts and our minds.