Donald Baumann

Donald J. Baumann, 84, town of Emmet, died Wednesday, July 8, 2020, at home.

He was born on Sept. 19, 1935, the son of the late Joseph and Dorothy (Karlen) Baumann. He married Mary Alice Knoeck on Nov. 9, 1960, at St. Mary’s Church in Marathon. She preceded him in death on Sept. 3, 1970. He then married Gladys Busko on Sept. 23, 2000. She also preceded him in death in 2008.

Donald (Don) liked to hunt and fish. He raised his five children after the passing of his wife Mary Alice in 1970. Throughout his whole life he farmed, raised ginseng and operated his beloved sawmill. After Donald retired from farming and ginseng, he still worked in the sawmill. The sawmill was always a big part of his life, which he operated with his friend, Arnie Heil. Donald even worked in the granite pit for his cousin, George Baumann, where he operated big machinery. The backhoe was his favorite.

Throughout his life he made many friends. Anywhere Donald went, people knew who he was. He enjoyed helping people out, whether it was sawing wood in the sawmill or just being an easy person to talk to. He will be very missed by his family and many friends.

Survivors include his five children: Ronald Baumann of Edgar, Karen (James) Taylor of Marathon, Donna Baumann of Marathon, Kathy (Paul Rodrigue) Baumann of Bartow, Fla., and Michael (Dawn) Baumann of Marathon; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and three siblings: Arlene Leffel of Merrill, Mary Ellen (Tom) Steiber of Marathon and Joseph (Jeri) Baumann of Marathon. He was preceded in death by a brother, Lee Baumann; and a sister, Bernice Polasek.

A private service was held for the family. Public visitation was from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Halder. Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.bestefh.com.

We would like to express our appreciation to everyone who reached out to Donald when he got sick, whether it was in person or even a phone call. We know he also appreciated it very much. Thank you to all the people who helped us by getting anything he needed, and all the emotional support through this time. We are so grateful for the team of Hospice nurses for their compassion and wonderful care given to Don.

Paid obituary 91845