Janet M. Bauer, age 72, of New London, entered eternal life on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on September 25, 1953, in New London, the daughter of the late Geary and Kathleen (Mulroy) Wilson.

Janet graduated from New London High School before earning a bachelor's degree in education from UW-Stevens Point. On June 16, 1984, she married the love of her life, Harold "Hal" Bauer, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in the Town of Lebanon. Hal called Janet his best friend. Through that friendship, they built a life centered on faith, family, adventure, and creating memories with those they loved.

Janet worked as a substitute teacher in Manawa School District, New London School District, and Weyauwega School District. She taught for many years before retiring in 2018. Janet brought the same kindness and encouragement to the classroom that she brought to every aspect of her life. Students looked forward to seeing Mrs. Bauer, and teachers valued her dependability and care. She was often requested for long-term assignments, reflecting the strong relationships and reputation she built within the school community.

More than anything, Janet had a gift for bringing people together and making family feel connected, no matter the distance or circumstance. She celebrated life's milestones, carried others through its challenges, and somehow always knew exactly what someone needed. Through thoughtful cards, phone calls, and her unwavering presence, Janet made people feel seen and loved. She welcomed every new addition to the family-spouses, babies, a few questionable boyfriends, untrained puppies, and barely potty-training toddlers-and made each one feel like they belonged.

Janet loved traveling with Hal, in their pickup truck and camper, especially exploring the beauty of the American West. She marveled at mountains, open skies, and the changing landscapes of the country. She also found joy much closer to home in her gardens, particularly among her beloved sunflowers, which seemed to reflect her bright and sunny spirit. She delighted in watching wildlife, especially young animals, and never lost her appreciation for the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

Janet approached life with energy and enthusiasm. Family members often joked that no piece of exercise equipment could survive Janet's determination for very long. Whether she was staying active, planning the next Wilson family reunion, tending her flowers, or cheering her favorite teams, she embraced life wholeheartedly.

A devoted Green Bay Packers fan, Janet's cheers could often be heard throughout the house on Sundays during football season. Family members can still hear her encouraging the Packers from her sunroom and celebrating every victory right alongside them. Janet loved country music and treasured opportunities to attend concerts, creating special memories with her nieces at performances by Alabama, Kenny Chesney, and the Zac Brown Band.

The holidays were among Janet's favorite times of year. Christmas at her home became a treasured family tradition, complete with beautifully decorated trees and her famous annual bow-counting competition for nieces and nephews -the winning bet would receive a special $2 dollar bill.

Many of her family's favorite memories are the simplest ones: sleepovers at the farm, staying up too late watching Nick at Nite while Hal worked the night shift as a Deputy Sheriff in Waupaca County, and waking up to Janet's French toast the next morning. Janet was a dedicated member of Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in New London, where her faith remained an important part of her life.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Hal; two brothers: Geary (Nancy) Wilson and Daniel Wilson; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, cousins, other relatives, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by her love and friendship.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, James Wilson; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mardell and Vernon McClullen; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harold and Milda Bauer.

Though she was taken from us far too soon, her legacy lives on in the traditions she created. When her family thinks of Janet, they will think of sunflowers reaching toward the sky, Packers games on Sunday afternoons, Christmas trees covered in bows, French toast on a farm morning, enjoying a joke at her brother Geary's expense, and a woman whose love knew no limits. More than anything, they will remember how she made them feel-welcomed, supported, celebrated, and deeply loved.

The Funeral Mass for Janet will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in New London with Fr. David Hoffman officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be held at the church on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Most Precious Blood Catholic Church.