Hon. William J. Bauer (1926-2025)
Past DuPage County Bar Association President Hon. William J. Bauer has passed away at age 99. He was previously DuPage County States Attorney, Circuit Judge of the 18th Circuit, US Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Federal District Judge and Judge of the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. In the words of Chief Judge Bonnie Wheaton, "His wit and wisdom will be sorely missed."
Details on formal arrangements, likely to be held in January, will be shared as they become available.
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Member Comments (1)
Judge Bauer was a great judge I had the good fortune to appear before when he was a District Court Judge in Chicago before I went on the state court bench in 1974. He was always interesting to hear as a lecturer at bar association and judicial conference seminars. His knowledge of the law and his adherence to the rule of law was steadfast. He remarked when I became a judge at age 31 that I could remain on the bench into old age since there would be no heavy lifting required in the job. We both grew up on Chicago's south side and found many experiences we shared in common. The love of the law and democracy were foundational for us. He became a great friend as well as a treasured mentor. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.