DONNA M. BAUER, age 86, of Loyal, WI, formerly of Spencer, WI, passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at The Waterford of Colby in Colby, WI. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Loyal, WI. Rev. Emmanuel Famiyeh will officiate, and burial will follow in West Spencer Cemetery in Spencer, WI. Pallbearers will be one grandchild from each of her six children: Brian Ward, Brandon Abel, Tonya Bandoli, Courtney Olson, Samantha Beyer, and Trevor Bauer. Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

     Donna Mae Redig was born on August 22, 1939, in Spokeville/Spencer, WI, to Elmer Sr. and Mary (Buss) Redig. She was raised on her family farm in the Town of Sherman, received her education at Griffith School, and graduated from Loyal High School in 1957. Donna was united in marriage to Wallace P. “Wally” Bauer on June 18, 1960, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Loyal. She spent her life devoted to caring for her family and supporting the farming community around her by milking cows and doing chores. She was known for her strong work ethic and selfless heart, always ready to lend a hand or share what she had with others.

     Donna was a proud member and supporter of St. Anthony Catholic Church and its PCCW. Her greatest joy came from caring for the people she loved most. She took great pride in loving her grandchildren and creating holiday traditions that encouraged family to come together. She will be remembered for her impossible-to-recreate side salads and desserts. In quieter moments, she found joy in fresh bread, bird watching, playing cards and games, and collecting coins, spoons, owl figures, and cookbooks—small treasures that reflected her curious and caring spirit. Her life reminds us that love isn’t always loud—sometimes it’s in the steady hands that care for others, the traditions that keep a family close, and the meals that bring everyone to the table.

     Donna is survived by her four children: Jeanne Ward, Jon (Rosanne) Bauer, and Jeff (Connie) Bauer, all of Loyal; Joe (Tina) Bauer of Thorp; 19 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; her siblings Lorna Mueller, Arvin Redig, Sharin Engevold and Al Redig, all of Spencer, Darlene (Jody) Laib and Joyce Davis of Texas; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

     She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wally, on April 12, 2004; two daughters: Joanne Beyer on July 7, 2009, and Julie Abel on January 21, 2019; son-in-law, Steve Ward on December 1, 2024; two sisters: Ruby Waldhauser and Cheryl Redig; and two brothers: Orin Redig and Elmer Redig, Jr.