‘He was the fire department’

The Rhinelander Fire Department is mourning the sudden loss of a veteran firefighter/paramedic described by his colleagues as the “the heartbeat” of the crew.

“It is with profound sadness that we must announce that we have lost the heartbeat of our department,” Fire Chief Brian Tonnancour announced Sunday on the department’s Facebook page. “Assistant Chief Dan Bauer passed away Saturday as the result of a massive heart attack. Dan will be sorely missed. His loss leaves a huge hole in our department and our lives. We will be spending some time mourning him and planning a way forward...”

Flags at the Rhinelander Fire Department flew at half-staff Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 as the department mourned the passing of assistant fire chief Dan Bauer.
(Photo by Jeremy Mayo/River News)

Bauer, 42, leaves behind his wife of 15 years, Jenna, and their four young children, along with his colleagues on the Rhinelander Fire Department where he served for nearly 19 years. Approximately two years ago he was promoted to the position of assistant chief.

The news of his passing prompted an immediate outpouring of grief from across the community.

“We extend our deepest condolences to our family next door,” the Rhinelander Police Department, which shares a building with the fire department, posted on Facebook. “Our hearts are heavy for your loss. You are in our thoughts.”

“My heart breaks at this news,” former Rhinelander Fire Chief Terry Williams wrote on Facebook. “I was so lucky to have worked with Dan. What an amazing man and firefighter! Jenna and the kids have my deepest sympathy. The fire department will never be the same! Tragic.”

Deb Knutson posted a message of condolence on behalf of her husband, Don, who is also a former Rhinelander Fire Chief.

“(Don) knew immediately when he hired (Dan) that he had the ‘IT’ that it would take to thrive in his job — and he certainly did,” she wrote. “We are shocked and saddened with his passing, which was way too soon! Blessings to Jenna & his family.”

“Dan Bauer was a dedicated professional who will be greatly missed in this community,” city administrator Patrick Reagan told the River News. “Dan was a leader, a great teammate, and someone that could be counted on when it mattered most.”

The members of the Oneida County sheriff’s office expressed solidarity with their colleagues at RFD.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Chief Bauer and all those who had the honor and privilege to work alongside him through the years. May you find strength in the first responder family who all stand beside you through this tremendous loss.”

In addition to his work with the fire department, Bauer was also well-known for his participation as a coach and booster of local youth sports. In 2022, he managed the Hodag 12U All-Star team that won the District 5 title and advanced to the Wisconsin Little League state tournament. In 2023, he guided a 10U team to the state tournament.

Hodag Little League was one of several youth sports organizations to post a tribute.

“Today our community lost an amazing man: a coach, a friend, a father, a husband, a mentor, an amazing all around guy. Words cannot express the loss that Hodag Little League is feeling with the untimely death of Dan Bauer. The world was a better place with you in it — we will miss you.”

The Rhinelander Basketball Association and the Hodag BMX Club echoed the sentiment.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of Dan Bauer, a cherished member of our Rhinelander Basketball Association family and community. Dan was not only an exceptional coach but also a true mentor and friend to countless players, families, and fans. His impact on and off the court was profound, and his kindness, dedication, and passion inspired everyone who knew him. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the Bauer family during this incredibly difficult time. Dan’s legacy will live on in the lives of all those he touched. Please join us in remembering and honoring an incredible man who gave so much to our community. Rest in peace, Coach Bauer. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.”

“We at Hodag BMX are devastated to learn of Dan's passing. Dan, and RFD, has been a integral part of Hodag BMX helping keep our riders safe. Our hearts go out to Dan's family, friends, coworkers, and those lives he has touched. Dad, Husband, Assistant Chief, Volunteer, Coach, Hero. You will be missed.”

Numerous messages of support from fire departments, as well as current and former firefighters and paramedics, from across the state have been shared on the department’s Facebook page over the last few days.

“This is such hard news to process,” one of the messages reads. “Dan was a great firefighter and paramedic but more importantly an amazing father and husband. Rest easy, Sir, until we meet again on the fire ground in the sky.”

Added another: “Rest easy, brother. We have the watch.”

Brandon Karaba, a member of the city’s police and fire commission, knew Bauer in his role as a leader in the fire department and supporter of local youth sports.

“Everybody, I mean, everybody, including Brian (Tonnancour), looked up to (Dan),” Karaba told the River News. “He was the fire department... so much of him(self) he gave to everybody.”

How to help 

On Tuesday, the fire department announced that a memorial fund has been established at Peoples State Bank to support the Bauer family. A college fund has also been created on behalf of the Bauer children.

“Dan’s whole world revolved around his family. We want to do whatever we can to take care of them now and into the future,” the post reads.

The address for the memorial fund is:

Dan Bauer Memorial Fund

Peoples State Bank

8 E. Anderson St. 

Rhinelander, WI 54501.

Gifts to the college fund should include the words Bauer College Fund. 

A benefit fund has also been established by Rhinelander Firefighters Local 1028, and RFD, through the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin Charitable Foundation. 

“All proceeds will go directly to Dan’s family to assist in navigating the difficult adjustments ahead,” organizers of the fund said.

To donate to the fund, visit https://pffwcf.networkforgood.com/projects/238847-bauer-family-donation-page.

“Chief Bauer was the cornerstone of the department, and was instrumental in every facet of department operations,” a statement on the foundation website reads. “He tirelessly endeavored to improve not only himself and the department, but all of the people he worked with. He was an empowering leader who advocated for what was right, and fearlessly adapted to his ever-changing role within the department.”

Funeral arrangements

According to a fire department press release, the assistant chief will be laid to rest on Nov. 14 following a full Fire Service Memorial with Honors.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m.at Pine Grove Community Church, 1360 N. Stevens St. Rhinelander, to be followed by the memorial service at noon.

Following the service, there will be a procession to Northland Memorial Park Cemetery, 4239 N. Shore Dr, Rhinelander, where interment will take place.

Heather Schaefer may be reached at [email protected].