Janis A.
Bauer
Janis A. Bauer
of South Milwaukee, WI passed away peacefully in her sleep at home with her beloved cats, Stevie & Cabbage, sister Kathy and dear friend Michael Sullivan watching over her on September 28, 2019 at the age of 67. Family and friends fondly called her Smoochie.
Janis was born on August 4, 1952 in Milwaukee, WI. She was the third child of six siblings and liked to say she was Mom’s favorite. She is survived by her siblings: Frederick Bauer (Amy Bucaida), Susie Bauer (James Pease), Kathryn Ingrelli, David G. Bauer and Martha (Ken) Odegard. Janis is also survived by her step-mother Carol Grace-Bauer, further survived by her uncle Jack (Jane) Bauer, aunts Jean Bauer and Judy Holtz along with nephews and nieces Matt (Mary Bridget) Bauer, Kate (Chad) Franzen, Ted Bauer, Frank Bauer, Kyle (Hope) Ingrelli, Andrew Ingrelli, Stephanie Odegard and Lauren Odegard, and 5 grand-nieces/nephews.
Preceded in death by her parents Margret F. Bauer and James M. Bauer, DDS, uncles Thomas Bauer, James Johnson and William Vanden Brook, aunts Mimi Vanden Brook (nee Johnson) and Myrna Perkins and nephew Michael Bauer.
Janis is survived by a multitude of other dear family and friends. Too many to name here, but know that you are all so appreciated and loved.
A Celebration of Life party for our dear Janis (Smoochie) will be held on October 20, 2019, 11:30AM to 3:30PM at Tuscan Hall, 409 Delafield Street, Waukesha WI 53188. You can PM family members through FB with any questions.
heritagefuneral.com
Janis, you always enjoyed a good laugh at our “Ladies Night”. Will miss you dearly 💔
Thank you Ann!
Although it’s been years since I visited with Janis in person, we did reconnect via fb. Janis was once of my first bosses to work for when I was about 18 at the Puzzlebox. She was instrumental in my work ethic development. Janis was fun to work with and saw in me a potential. She took chances on me and let my artistic abilities shine through. Letting me take responsibilities of making signs for the store and helping with window displays. I also worked the stockroom as well as the floor. Those skills I now use in running my own brick and mortar business. Such valuable tools. Thank you Janis.
One more story… one day at the Puzzlebox I was off to get some lunch in the mall. When I came back to eat it in the back room, I noticed Janis was acting a little strange. I didn’t think much of it. When I returned from lunch I heard that I had missed William Hurt stopping in the store! No wonder she was acting a little different! Rest in peace Janis. You are free now. Thank you for sharing your gifts.
Oh! Thanks you SO much for sharing Christianne! It’s so important to have a good mentor at the start of your career ~ I’m glad you were able to team up with Janis! I actually remember Janis telling me about the William Hurt “visit”. Fun memories of visiting Jains at the Puzzelbox! I hope to see you in person at the Celebration of Life this Sunday if you can make it. Peace…
You will be fondly missed for your wonderful spirit…. Your personality & smile lite up the room always… Rest in peace. Our condolences to the family.
Thanks you David.
Dear Janis, it rains in my heart knowing you have passed, your strong interest in other peoples hopes and dreams was a powerful thing, it was a love and honor to know you and your family. love always, smoochie your, stace
Thank you Stace. Hugs from us all.
I first met Janis at a VandenBrook wedding (Peter and Karen) at a beautiful farm (Jim VandenBrook’s) in the summer of 1993. She was sitting at a table wearing a very cool, very funky outfit, and I could tell right away she had a story! I’m so very thankful I had opportunities to hear MANY insightful, emotional, and truly unique stories of her life in the years I was part of the Bauer family. I deeply admired her courage and resilience as she met her challenges head-on. She created many wonderful meals and memories, and was a gifted artist with a joyful, colorful style I loved. She was a wonderful Aunt Smoochie to my children Ted and Frank, and made every holiday and family gathering richer with her presence. I loved her so much, and hope she is at peace. Much to love to all of Janis’ family.
Jennifer Haack
Thank you Jenny! We miss you very much.