Lillian Bauman
Lillian was born on June 18, 1927, in Colby, daughter of the late Walter and Edith (Smart) Wurthmann.
As a child she attended the Rusk School in Town of Frankfort. She then graduated from Colby High School in 1945. Lillian attended and graduated from Stevens Point Teachers College with a rural teachers certificate in 1947. She started her teaching career in a one room country school in the Town of Wien. During that time, she rented a room from the Louie Bauman family. Uncle Louie played the part of matchmaker by introducing Lillian to his nephew, Leonard. Louie’s plan worked well and Leonard and Lillian married at First Methodist Church in Wausau on May 19, 1947. In 1964 she completed her bachelor of science degree in education from the University of Stevens Point. She taught in Edgar at both the elementary and middle school levels until she retired in 1987. Lillian was a proud educator. Long after her retirement, she reminisced about students and her time as a teacher.
When Leonard decided to buy Len’s Lanes in Fenwood in 1975, Lillian was right by his side in operating the business. She cooked up a mean hot beef and Friday fish fry. They sold the business in 1984.
Lillian continued to teach until 1987, when they decided it was time to escape the winter weather and go to Arizona. Lillian enjoyed spending the winters in Arizona with her husband in their motorhome. She spent much of her time reading upwards of 30 books each winter. Lillian and Leonard were members of the Good Sam RV Club and enjoyed making new friends wherever they traveled.
Lillian was involved in her community and had many interests. She was a member of the Fenwood Homemakers. Lillian was an active member at her church where she was involved in the Women’s church group and taught Sunday School. Ever the teacher, she continued to do some teaching in her retirement by tutoring. Lillian played the saxophone in a dance band when she was young; this led to a favorite pastime of her and Leonard’s: dancing. Other hobbies she enjoyed were bowling, stitching, sewing and scrapbooking. Later in life, Lillian spent her years at Birchwood Highlands Apartments and enjoyed meeting new friends and continuing her love of games.
There is nothing Lillian loved more than spending time with her family. One of her favorite things to do was watching her grandchildren grow up and attend their recitals and sporting events. She especially loved playing cards with her family and passed on that love to her children and grandchildren. Later on, she would keep score and cheer everyone on.
She is survived by Brant (Rosa) Bauman of Tempe, Ariz., Brian Bauman of San Francisco, Calif., Jean (Chuck) Krause of Appleton and Jay (Sue) Bauman of Minocqua; five grandchildren: Scott Bauman, Kaitlin Krause, Elliot Krause, Rachel (Noah) Bauman Tostrud and Emily Bauman.
Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard; her brother, Ervin Wurthmann and her sister, Helen Jackson.
A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 8, 2022, at St. John Lutheran Church, ELCA, town of Wien. Rev. Gail Sowell presided. Burial was in the church cemetery. Visitation was Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service, all at the church.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Care Partners and Interim Hospice Care for their loving care of Lillian.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Paid obituary 123610
