Elynn Lee Bautz

Elynn Lee Bautz

September 14, 1941 – December 20, 2025

Elynn Lee Bautz, 84, of Glendale, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025. A lifelong resident of the Milwaukee area, Elynn’s life was defined by an irrepressible enthusiasm for learning, a relentless curiosity, and an abiding faith in intelligence, good humor, wit, health, endurance, laughter and joyfulness that will continue to serve as a cornerstone for her family and community.

Early Life and Academic Excellence

Born in Milwaukee to Marshall and Eleanor (Klebenow) Bautz, Elynn was raised in Whitefish Bay, where her sharp intellect and passion for music first took root. A proud graduate of Whitefish Bay High School, she continued her education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, immersing herself in the world of the classics. Her academic excellence earned her the distinction of a Phi Beta Kappa graduate; she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Classics in 1961, followed by a Master of Arts in Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies in 1962.

A Life of Devotion and Advocacy

Elynn was a woman of principle and deep devotion. She left her career as a teacher within public secondary school to dedicate a lifetime of caring for her son, Christopher, who was disabled from infancy. Together, they were a familiar and beloved sight in Whitefish Bay and Glendale, walking many miles and connecting with neighbors. Throughout her lifetime, Elynn advocated for persons with disability and was a contributing member to the Epilepsy Foundation. A dedicated steward of her community, Elynn was a driving force behind the preservation of Whitefish Bay’s local history and environment. Whether volunteering in restoration efforts for the Milwaukee River or securing historic status for local landmarks, her advocacy left a lasting mark on the landscape. This passion for heritage extended to her own garden, where she meticulously cultivated the award-winning irises hybridized by her father. Whether she was sharing these prized blooms, writing about local history for the Glendale newsletter, or discussing her favorite classical compositions, Elynn’s life was a masterclass in generosity and cultural enrichment.

Family and Legacy

Elynn’s heart was always with her family. She famously organized a massive Bautz family reunion attended by at least a thousand, ensuring the bonds of kinship remained strong. She is survived by her former husband, Bruce Brown and their son Christopher Brown and son Dr. Steven Brown and daughter-in-law, Candice Brown of Boulder, Colorado; and her cherished grandchildren, Tegan and Caspar. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Marshall and Thomas Bautz.

Memorial Service Information

A Celebration of Elynn’s Life will be held on Saturday, May 30th at 12:00 PM Cahill Square Park Pavilion, 10001 East Fairmount Avenue, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. A reception will follow from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Memorial Donations in lieu of flowers to honor Elynn, may be made to Milwaukee Riverkeeper (https://milwaukeeriverkeeper.org/support-our-work/make-a-donation/) or to The Arc (https://thearc.org/).

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