The two victims of the fatal accident that occurred in Verona on November 1 were well known not only in our region but throughout the world. Michelle and Jeffrey Bauer were passionate advocates for the diabetes community. Michelle lost her son to complications from type 1 diabetes when he was just 13 years old. She made it her life’s work to fight for other families. News of the accident came as a shock to many in our community, including myself. Michelle and Jeff were dear friends of mine. They had the gift of uplifting others when they needed it most, supporting their families in many ways, and being a light to everyone around them. From the moment Michelle’s son, Jesse, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, she began fighting to raise awareness and fund important research.
MADISON (WKOW) — The two victims of a deadly crash in Verona on Nov. 1 were well known in our region and around the world.
Michelle and Jeffrey Bauer were passionate advocates for the diabetes community.
Michelle lost her son to complications from type 1 diabetes when he was just 13 years old.
She made it her life’s work to fight for other families.
News of the accident came as a shock to many in our community, including myself. Michelle and Jeff were dear friends of mine.
They had the gift of uplifting others when they needed it most, supporting their families in many ways, and being a light to everyone around them.
From the moment Michelle’s son, Jesse, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, she began fighting to raise awareness and fund important research.
Over the years, Michelle has completed 23 charity bike rides, raising over $150,000.
She served on Beyond Type 1’s leadership council and worked closely with Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as the Youth Diabetes Research Foundation.
Michelle also founded Jesse Was Here: A Program of Beyond Type 1 Diabetes. We provide support to families around the world as they navigate the complexities of this disease.
Her efforts have been recognized over the years with numerous honors, including the Jefferson Award from 27 News.
Michelle’s energy for life, family, and friends was matched by her husband, Jeff.
In 2018, the couple married on the top floor of the state capitol building with their children in tow.
It was a beautiful relationship, they competed in Ironman triathlons, traveled the world, loved their children passionately, and shared an adventurous life together.
Much of their time was spent at their Northwoods home on Lake Metonga in Crandon, and they opened it up to many of their friends, including me.
Because Michelle and Jeff did that for me, it became a place for me to reset and find peace.
In 2020, Michelle published her book Jesse Was Here: Give Me More Lasagna: Nourishing the Soul of a Grieving Mother to provide a guide for people to work through their grief.
Michelle and Jeff were a guiding light to many, truly opening their hearts and living fully.
A Celebration of Life and Visitation will be held Friday afternoon, Dec. 13, at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Crandon, Wisconsin.
