Arlo was born to Christian and Christina (Huber) Bauer on April 17, 1939, in Bismarck, North Dakota.  He grew up on a farm in Zeeland, ND. He suffered from childhood illnesses and had to homeschool for a large portion of his schooling.  He started his college education by receiving his Associate's degree from Bethany Lutheran College.  He then transferred to MSOE, where he earned a Certificate for Electrical Technician.  He then went to Marquette University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, and later earned his Master’s from UW-Milwaukee. 

 

"Old Fart" or “Uncle Arlo” was often quiet, caring, kind, had a great sense of humor, and spoke up for what he believed in.  He had an Engineering brain through and through, evaluating things deeply and cautiously. Arlo worked the bulk of his career at Johnson Controls and retired from there to spend more time with his Grandkids.

 

Arlo married his love, Mary Lee (Loether), in 1967 at Salem Evangelical Church in Menomonee Falls, WI, after courting her at work. He stole her timecard to get the opportunity to talk with her, and love bloomed from there.  Together, they built a beautiful life in Germantown, WI, where their son Tim grew up and played with their dog Cody. He enjoyed outdoor activities such as gardening, growing flowers, fishing, camping, going to the cabin on the Mississippi River, playing croquet, and throwing baseball and football around in the yard.  He also loved being a horse for the grandkids, playing board and card games, playing solitaire on the computer, and doing puzzles (his family tried to find the most difficult ones they could to challenge him). He also enjoyed snacking on sweet treats, often chocolate.  He maintained a healthy-sized snack table next to his favorite chair, which was constantly overflowing with an assortment of candy. He loved to watch the local sports teams, the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, and Bucks. He loved playing with the grandpups; he was the ultimate fetch player. They occupied each other for hours.

 

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Lee (Loether) Bauer; his children, Tim Bauer (Michelle); Brian Bauer (Carolyn Joy Strongheart), Brenda (Bauer) Kujawski (Michael); his grandchildren, Sierra (Bauer) Miller (Cory); Katherine Kujawski (Redi Ejbeja), Jennifer Kujawski, Mary Kujawski (Andrew Vidrio), and Paul Kujawski. His grandpups: Callie, Remington, and Benelli. His special niece, Mary Jean “Charlie” (Bock) Rosenow (Bob), and many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Christian and Christina (Huber) Bauer; his brother, Ervin Walter Bauer (Julia); his sister, Ruth Bauer (Jacob) Rutschke; his sister, Erma (Bauer) Berreth (Benjamin); and his dog Cody.

 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Todd Hirschtritt and his staff for the outstanding, above-and-beyond care. The ICU staff, especially Tina, Katie, and Beau (Bo), who provided exceptional care during Arlo's stay.

 

A celebration of Arlo’s life will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 2 PM, with the service beginning at 3:30 pm at  Schmidt & Bartelt N84 W17937 Menomonee Ave, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051. A private burial will take place at Pinelawn Cemetery on Monday, January 19, 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations to the COPD Foundation in Arlo’s memory are appreciated.

 

His legacy of love for family and friends, kindness, and caring will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew him.