Andrew J. Bauernfeind, 94, gently passed away on Dec. 21, 2009, at home with his daughter-in-law Donna Bauernfeind. His beloved wife of more than 70 years, Emily, preceded him in January of this year. His family is comforted by the thought that he was able to go “home” for Christmas to be reunited with the wife he adored.
Andy was also preceded in death by his son Michael, who passed away October 2008. Survivors include Donna, Michael’s wife, of Wilton; son Tom (Ann) Bauernfeind of Milwaukee; and daughter Susie (Clay) Guthrie of Milwaukee.
For the past three years, Cindy O’Rourke of Wilton was a loving and dedicated caregiver whose cheerfulness blessed his life, along with the reliable daily care she gave him. Donna couldn’t have managed without her and will be forever grateful.
Other survivors include granddaughter Ami (Brad) Bauer and their daughter Nicki of Waterloo, Wis., who were frequent guests this past year. Other grandchildren are Cory (Steve) Balish, Paul (Lori) Leszczynski, and Lisa (Billy) Dunn, all of Milwaukee, and numerous nieces and nephews of Milwaukee.
Andy was the director of advertising for the Catholic Herald Newspaper in Milwaukee for 30 years prior to his retirement in 1984. He was always one the nicest guys you’d ever want to meet and was a huge success in his career. Even after losing some of his abilities to communicate due to a stroke in 1984, he still managed to entertain others. He would whisk ladies into a dance with him at any opportunity, humming his own little song.
Some of Andy’s favorite things in the past few years were worrying about his cat Mittens, playing gin rummy (intentionally letting his caregivers win a lot of the time), eating Werther’s candy, wearing goofy hats, and watching “Wheel of Fortune” and “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?“
Andy was a good man with high principles tempered with love. His playfulness will be fondly remembered. A private ceremony was Dec. 22, with Father R. Dickman officiating, and a memorial service will be held at a later date in Milwaukee. The family would like to thank Tomah Hospice Touch for the compassionate care they provided and for their assistance to the family. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
