Former Sheriff's Detective, Spouse Lose Battle With Coronavirus

WAUKESHA, WI — The law enforcement community and the Waukesha area lost two of their own last week after former Sheriff's detective James Bauer and spouse Bonnie O'Leary Bauer both passed away.

According to an obituary posted on Church and Chapel's website, James passed away on Thursday and Bonnie two days later on Saturday at the Mission Creek Retirement Home after health battles.

The obituary said the couple endured a long battle with dementia and Alzheimer's coupled with complications of COVID-19.

James was a detective with the Waukesha County Sheriff's Office for 25 years before he retired in 1987. Together, they raised four children, and have nine grandchildren. The obituary states that three of their children entered careers in law enforcement and one grandchild is working as a firefighter/EMT.

James and Bonnie would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year.

Funeral services will be Friday, May 29 at Church and Chapel Funeral Home at 380 Bluemound Road in Waukesha. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. with memorial service at 2 p.m. followed by graveside service at Vernon Center Cemetery, S77 W25470 National Ave. (just west of Hilo Drive), Mukwonago, Wisconsin 53149.