Dolores Baumann

Dolores "Dee" Vivian Baumann
April 15, 1925 to January 31, 2014

Dolores "Dee" Baumann, age 89, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 31, 2014. Born Dolores Vivian Barger to Anna Peck and John Barger of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she was one of four children. Dee went to North Division High School in Milwaukee where she proudly served as the drum majorette. After high school she married her sweetheart, Russell Baumann in 1943. They went on to rent a tiny mobile home in Lake Geneva while Russ was training as a Staff Sergeant for the US Army. When Russ returned from overseas they started their family. Their children, Scott, Craig and Debra meant the world to her. Russ's job with the telephone company often kept him on the road but Dee's unwavering love and devotion supported her husband and her family through every move, no matter the distance. She kept an immaculate house hold and delighted in being "the ultimate host" for dinner parties and gatherings.

Later in life Dee became involved in politics, campaigning for a few governors and even guided tours at the governor's mansion. Her love of fine art lead her to become a docent at the art museum on the University of Wisconsin Madison campus, where she studied and tested out of the same books that were being used by students. Dee also spent many years as a jeweler here in Madison, proving to be a tenacious sales woman and winning accolades for her many achievements.

From the viewpoint of her grandchildren she had an almost angelic way about her. Always the protector, she made sure helmets and life vests were abundantly available and didn't mind voicing her preference for driving under the speed limit. She loved to watch her grand daughters and daughter ride their horses and frequently bragged about her grandson's talent as a violinist. She cooked the way so many grandmothers before her have done - with love. Nothing was pre made or microwaved. Food was prepared delicately and in unimaginable amounts, much like how she loved her family.

Until we meet again, know that we all love you "a bushel and a heap".