Katherine 'Kathie' Baumann

Katherine J. ‘Kathie’ Baumann, 71, of Merrill, passed away on Friday, December 31, 2021, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Kathie was born in Merrill, Wisconsin at Holy Cross Hospital on August 23, 1950, to Milton and Vernette (Langhoff) Kleinschmidt. She was baptized into the Christian faith at Trinity Lutheran Church, Town of Berlin where she later proclaimed her faith through the rite of confirmation. She was a 1968 graduate of Merrill High School. Her work life consisted of jobs at Pine Crest Nursing Home, House of Merrill, Weinbrenner Shoe Co., along with bartending at Lierman’s Ballroom and Ed & Sharon’s where she was known to serve the best old fashioneds in town. In her younger years, Kathie showed off her exuberant personality from motorcycle rides with melted shoes to going around town with her bag of “tricks.” She enjoyed life with her friends around her. She was always one to fill the room with laughter and celebration. Kathie later in life was married to Jeffrey Baumann on September 27, 2003, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Town of Berlin. The two shared adventures by going different places and just enjoying their lives together until he preceded her in death. Besides spending time with her family and friends, Kathie enjoyed craft shows, Amish auctions, and farmers markets. Kathie also had a love for baking and cooking which she shared with friends, family, and most of the neighborhood. Kathie was a kind and companionate person and touched the lives of many with her giving heart. She will be remembered as someone who always had biggest scoop in town. Kathie’s pride and joy in life was her daughter Riannon ‘Annie’ and her grandchildren Avery and Paxton whom she adored. Her grandchildren were an added bonus which overflowed her heart with love. She loved reading stories to them, watching them dance, singing with them, and falling asleep with them in her arms. She is survived by her daughter, Riannon ‘Annie’ Kleinschmidt of Merrill; Granddaughter, Avery Kleinschmidt of Merrill; Grandson, Paxton Kleinschmidt of Merrill; Siblings, Virgil (Sherry) Kleinschmidt of Gleason, Bonnie Thurs of Athens, Dean (Peggy) Kleinschmidt of Merrill, Gay Mootz of Merrill, Lois (Lee) Schmidt of Merrill, Becky Kleinschmidt of Merrill, Jon (Becky) Kleinschmidt of Irma, Lynda (Mike) Kropp of Merrill, Wanda Kleinschmidt of Merrill, and Brian Kleinschmidt of Merrill; Sister-in-law, Laurie Kleinschmidt of Weston and many nieces and nephews; Sister-in-law, Sue (John) Heckendorf of Merrill; Brothers-in-law, Ervin ‘Butch’ Baumann, Jr. of Milladore, WI, and Terry (Amy) Baumann of Merrill; as well as several very special godchildren, friends, and family. She was preceded in death by her Husband, Jeffery Baumann; Parents, Milton and Vernette Kleinschmidt; Brothers, Daniel “Boone” Kleinschmidt, Joel Kleinschmidt, and Thomas Kleinschmidt; Brothers-in-law, Roger Mootz and Richard Thurs, Sr.; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. The funeral service for Kathie will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Merrill. Rev. Neal Behm will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and again after 9:30 A.M. Wednesday, at the church. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com