Doris E. Bauer

Doris E. Bauer, 97, passed away Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 2 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church with Rev. Jerry Ewings and Rev. Nicholas Quinnett officiating. Family and friends may gather at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. A private family burial will take place at a later date. Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.hafemeisterfh.com.

Doris Elaine Bauer was born on August 19, 1928, in Milwaukee, the daughter of Anton and Florence (née Schmidt) Geske. She graduated from Lutheran High School in 1946. Doris married Donald Bauer on September 10, 1954, at Emmaus Evangelical Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. Together, they raised two children and shared 52 years of marriage until his passing on January 16, 2007.

A foundational figure at Shoreland Lutheran High School, Doris worked for many years as the school's secretary and bookkeeper. She played a vital role in the school's establishment and remained its steadfast supporter for the rest of her life. Whether she was volunteering her time or cheering from the sidelines at sporting events, Doris's heart never left the school she helped build.

Doris's faith was a cornerstone of her life, evidenced by her 58-year membership at Friedens Lutheran Church prior to her move to Watertown. Outside of her church community, she was a quintessential Wisconsinite who loved following the Brewers and Packers, and she spent many peaceful hours perfecting her knitting and embroidery.

Doris is survived by her children, David (Barbara) Bauer and Donna Hammond; grandchildren, Tony (Allison) Hammond, Ashley (Jason) Verheyen, Andre (Melanie) Hammond, Joshua (Gina) Bauer and Becky (Jon) Gage; 15 great-grandchildren; as well as other relatives and friends.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, and her parents.