The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay mourns the passing of, Dean Emeritus Bob Bauer, who passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026.
In 1969, Bob was named director of bands for the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB) where he also chaired the Music program and guided the Music Program to accreditation with the National Association of Schools of Music in 1977. He was very involved on campus and was appointed Dean of Professional Programs and Continuing Education. He served in that role until he retired in 1994 as Dean Emeritus.
Regularly served as guest conductor for various musical groups, directed the UW-Green Bay music camps and performed flute with the Green Bay Symphony. In 1974 he began management of state contest of Wisconsin School Music Association held at UWGB; the program continues today, named the Solo and Ensemble Music Festival.
Throughout Bob’s career at UWGB he continued to teach in the music program, and was also appointed chairman of the Building Committee for the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts on UWGB’s campus in the late 1980’s. The Weidner Center acoustics which Bob helped design are considered by many to be the best in the Midwest.
Bob also recently endowed the Robert and Joanne Bauer Endowed Professorship in Strings with the UW-Green Bay music program.
Two of his oral history interviews can be found here and here, which truly capture his spirit and impact on the UWGB music program.
Family and friends may gather on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 9:30am to 10:45, with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00am at Resurrection Catholic Parish, 333 Hilltop Dr., Green Bay. Entombment will take place at Allouez Catholic Mausoleum, Allouez. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bob’s memory can be made to Resurrection Catholic Parish or to UW-Green Bay Foundation.