Retired Surgeons

After over 35+ Years of services to families
in our communities, our Retired Surgeons have graciously
stepped away from private practice to pursue time with family,
friends and personal endeavors.  We wish them all the very
best in their future endeavors.

Historical Information

Retired Physicians

After providing over 35+ years of dedicated orthopedic physician services to families in our communities, these physicians
have graciously retire from the clinical team at Wisconsin Bone & Joint, S. C.  Their legacy of excellence in
Orthopedic Care lives on in the professional conduct and service of our current physician providers.

Dale E. Bauwens, MD

Areas Of Specialization

Orthopaedic Surgery
Hip Replacement Surgery
Knee Replacement Surgery

Retired December 22, 2023

Dr. Dale E. Bauwens

Orthopaedic Surgeon – One of the Original Founding Physician of Wisconsin Bone & Joint, SC

Dr. Dale Bauwens moved his career into retirement on
December 22, 2023.

His wish for his future patients was to continue his legacy of Excellence In Orthopedic care through transitioning his patients to be seen and cared for by one of the current Orthopedic Physicians at Wisconsin Bone & Joint, SC.

To his past patients, Dr. Bawuens conveyed his sentiments in the letter below:

Dear Valued Patient,

I would like to inform you of my decision to retire from the practice of Orthopedics as of December 22, 2023. It has been both an honor and a privilege that you chose me for your Orthopedic care. When I started this practice 40 years ago, I had no idea how important the relationships would become between myself, my patients, and my staff and for that I thank you. Please know that I have excellent partners who will be available to assist with your future Orthopedic care. I am sure I will miss all of you!!

Best wishes,

Dale Bauwens, MD

Charles Klein, MD

Areas Of Specialization

Total Hip Replacement
Total Knee Replacement
General Orthopedics
Including:
Fracture Care
Foot & Ankle Problems
Sports Injuries
Non-Operative Spine Care

Retired May 31, 2025

Dr. Charles A. Klein

Orthopaedic Surgeon – One of the Original Founding Physician of Wisconsin Bone & Joint, SC

Dr. Charles Klein moved his career into retirement on
May 31, 2025.

His wish for his future patients was to continue his legacy of Excellence In Orthopedic care through transitioning his patients to be seen and cared for by one of the current Orthopedic Physicians at Wisconsin Bone & Joint, SC.

To his past patients, Dr. Klein conveyed his sentiments in the letter below:

Dear Patients,

I have made the decision to retire from my practice of orthopedic surgery as of May 30, 2025. I appreciate the trust you have put in me, and it has been an honor to take care of you. We have many fine surgeons at Wisconsin Bone and Joint and I’m sure you will receive excellent care from whomever you choose to continue your orthopedic needs.

Sincerely,

Dr. Charles Klein

Dean Ziegler, MD

Areas Of Specialization

Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder Treatments
Elbow Injuries
Elbow Treatments

Retired June 30, 2025

Dr. Dean W. Ziegler

Shoulder & Elbow Orthopaedic Surgeon

Dr. Dean Ziegler moved his career into retirement on
June 30, 2025.

His wish for his future patients was to continue his legacy of Excellence In Orthopedic care through transitioning his patients to be seen and cared for by one of the current Orthopedic Physicians at Wisconsin Bone & Joint, SC.

To his past patients, Dr. Ziegler conveyed his sentiments in the letter below:

To My Valued Patients,

After 30 fulfilling years of practicing Orthopaedic Surgery in Milwaukee, I am writing to share that I have retired.

This decision did not come easily, as caring for you—my patients—has been the greatest honor of my professional life. Over the past three decades, I have had the
privilege of helping individuals regain strength, mobility, and quality of life. Each surgery, consultation, and follow-up has deepened my appreciation for the trust you placed in me and the relationships we built together.

As I step away from the operating room and clinic, I do so with gratitude and confidence that you will continue to receive excellent care at Wisconsin Bone and Joint. I will be working closely with my practice partners and staff to ensure a smooth transition, and your medical records will remain securely on file for continuity of care.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has also been the opportunity to mentor and educate the next generation of Orthopaedic Surgeons. This included 22 Upper Extremity Fellows and over 60 Orthopaedic Residents. I’ve taken great pride in sharing knowledge and experience with these young physicians. Knowing that I’ve had a hand in shaping capable, compassionate surgeons who will continue to serve this community brings me great comfort and satisfaction as I step away from active practice. I am grateful for the support of our dedicated clinical team who made it possible for me to offer you the best care. I’m also deeply proud of the resilience, courage, and determination I witnessed from so many of you during your recovery and healing.

Please know that it has been a profound privilege to serve this community. Milwaukee has not just been where I practiced—it has been home.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of your Orthopaedic journey.

If you have any orthopaedic conditions that need to be addressed, Dr. Zeigler encourages you to call our offices and Dr. Ziegler’s care team will refer you to the appropriate partner.

With sincere appreciation,

Dean W. Ziegler, M.D.

Jacqueline Mlsna, MD

Areas Of Specialization

Sports Medicine
Joint Replacement
Sports Medicine
Fracture Care

Fracture Care

Retired December 31, 2025

Dr. Jacqueline S. Mlsna

Orthopaedic Surgeon

(5/5) Patient Experience Rating
126 Total Reviews

Dr. Mlsna Retirement Message

November 1, 2025

My Dear Patient,

It is with a measure of sadness that I must tell you I plan to retire from my practice at Wisconsin Bone & Joint, S.C. With many of you, a special relationship has been formed, enriching my life and making my departure bittersweet. It has been an honor and a blessing to be your physician. In the next phase of my career, I have chosen to work part time at the VA where I will be serving our veteran population and participating in the teaching of orthopedic residents from the Medical College of Wisconsin. Wisconsin Bone & Joint, S. C. has many talented physicians, many of whom have a particular specialty. My office staff can assist you in choosing the doctor who can best meet your needs in the future. For those of you who know Jean, she will be staying in our office to work part-time in the billing department. She can be a helpful resource as well. I wish for you all health and happiness, and thank you for trusting me and allowing me to care for you. With sincere appreciation.

Dr. Jacqueline Mlsna

Dr. Jacqueline Mlsna is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing on sports medicine, fracture care and joint replacement.

“Patients deserve the personal attention of their physician who should partner with them in forming a personalized diagnosis and treatment plan. Many orthopedic surgeons in this community have abandoned the traditional doctor/patient relationship, choosing to provide only the most technical aspects of their patients’ care. Most of the evaluation, examination and consultation is provided by an assistant with considerably less training and experience. In this model of care, surgeons do not see their patients in the hospital after surgery, nor do they provide personal aftercare in the office. I believe, on the other hand, that the doctor/patient relationship is crucial to a patient’s care. In my view, personal interaction between a physician and patient provides the best opportunity for proper diagnosis and treatment, along with the best opportunity for a good outcome.

Every patient deserves and should expect nothing less.”

John T. Kroner, M.D.

Specialties

General Orthopedics
Knee Injuries
Knee Surgery
Posterior Hip Replacement Surgery
Total Knee Replacement

Retired June 11, 2026

Dr. John T. Kroner

 

Dr. John Kroner moved his career into retirement on
June 11, 2026.

His wish for his future patients was to continue his
legacy of Excellence In Orthopedic care through
transitioning his patients to be seen and cared for
by one of the current Orthopedic Physicians at Wisconsin Bone & Joint, SC.

To his past patients, Dr. Kroner conveyed his sentiments in the letter below:

A Letter of Gratitude and Transition
Dear Patients, Colleagues, and Friends,
After much reflection, I am writing to share that I will be retiring from the practice of orthopaedic surgery. My last day will be
June 11, 2026.
This decision comes with deep gratitude and, admittedly, mixed emotions. Orthopaedics has been more than a career to me-it has
been a calling, a community, and a privilege that has shaped my life in ways I could never have imagined when I began this
journey.
I was fortunate to begin my education here in Milwaukee, attending Marquette University before earning my medical degree at
the Medical College of Wisconsin. I completed my internship and residency at MCW, where I also had the honor of serving as
Chief Resident. Those formative years instilled in me not only a love for orthopaedic surgery, but also the values of teamwork,
humility, and service–principles that have guided me ever since.
In 1987, I joined Orthopaedic Associates, and it has truly been my professional home. Over the years, I have been privileged to
practice alongside exceptional colleagues, and staff, who share a commitment to putting patients first. The 2015 merger with
Blount Orthopaedic Specialists was especially meaningful to me. I was fortunate enough to have met Dr. Blount as a resident, so I
was excited to become part of that legacy. More recently our merger with Wisconsin Bone & Joint, S.C. has continued that
tradition of growth, collaboration, and excellence in care.
One of the greatest joys of my career has been practicing alongside my son, who joined the group 13 years ago. To watch him
care for patients with skill, compassion, and integrity has been among my proudest experiences, both as a physician and as a
father.
To My Patients: thank you for placing your trust in me during some of the most vulnerable moments of your lives. It has been an
honor to care for you and your families. The relationships built over decades–often across generations–are what I will miss the
most.
To My Colleagues And Staff: you are the heart of this practice. Your dedication, kindness, and professionalism are what make it
such a special place to work. I am endlessly grateful for the teamwork, laughter, and support we have shared. You have made
even the most challenging days meaningful.
While I may be stepping away from the exam room, I leave with immense confidence in the future of this practice, and in the
people who will continue to provide outstanding care. I will miss the daily connections, the shared purpose, and the privilege of
serving this community more than words can fully express.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives and for making my career so fulfilling. It has truly been the honor of a
lifetime.
With sincere gratitude,
John Kroner, MD