Marion Muns was born March 11, 1928, in Ridgewood, New Jersey, only child of businessman Robert William Muns and teacher, Marjorie Carlsson. At a young age, she demonstrated great musical talent and emulated stars Deanna Durbin and Judy Garland. A great beauty, she could easily have been mistaken for a child star herself. She went on to be runner-up in the national "Miss Television" competition.
Marion was most drawn to the opera. After high school she attended Juilliard and studied voice with some of the finest performers in the world. Lakme by Leo Delibes was among her favorite operas. She loved the Flower Duet and the Bell Song especially.
After suffering from a throat tumor, she was fortunate to recover her voice with the help of her idol, Helen Jepson. She then earned a music scholarship to Syracuse, graduating in 1946.
On August 25, 1951, Marion married her high school sweetheart, Robert Reed Baumann, who was said to play the violin "like a drunken Gypsy". He finished medical school and they moved to Monroe, Wisconsin, where they raised five children.
Marion played an active role in the Democratic Party, especially supporting Wisconsin congressman, Robert Kastenmeir. She served as treasurer in the Second Congressional District. She was known for her talent for fundraising and lured many a presidential candidate to Monroe.
The arts remained her first love, however. She served on the Wisconsin Arts Board and was an avid supporter of the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Marion passed peacefully on April 10th, at Monroe Manor surrounded by loving family. She had resided happily and comfortably there for some time, thanks to the hardworking and compassionate staff.
A memorial service will be held in July. Memorial gifts to the Monroe Arts Center or Monroe Theatre Guild can be mailed to John Baumann, 2602 22nd Ave., Monroe, WI 53566. Condolences may be sent at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Reed Baumann, and is survived by children, Robert, Carol (Robert) Jeske, John (Katie), Joanne (Gene) Moore, Charlie (Wendy), and grandchildren, Ruthie (Richard) Vega, Robert, Benjamin, Kelley and Nick. Greatgrandchildren include Alex, Selena and Sophia.
Marion was most drawn to the opera. After high school she attended Juilliard and studied voice with some of the finest performers in the world. Lakme by Leo Delibes was among her favorite operas. She loved the Flower Duet and the Bell Song especially.
After suffering from a throat tumor, she was fortunate to recover her voice with the help of her idol, Helen Jepson. She then earned a music scholarship to Syracuse, graduating in 1946.
On August 25, 1951, Marion married her high school sweetheart, Robert Reed Baumann, who was said to play the violin "like a drunken Gypsy". He finished medical school and they moved to Monroe, Wisconsin, where they raised five children.
Marion played an active role in the Democratic Party, especially supporting Wisconsin congressman, Robert Kastenmeir. She served as treasurer in the Second Congressional District. She was known for her talent for fundraising and lured many a presidential candidate to Monroe.
The arts remained her first love, however. She served on the Wisconsin Arts Board and was an avid supporter of the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Marion passed peacefully on April 10th, at Monroe Manor surrounded by loving family. She had resided happily and comfortably there for some time, thanks to the hardworking and compassionate staff.
A memorial service will be held in July. Memorial gifts to the Monroe Arts Center or Monroe Theatre Guild can be mailed to John Baumann, 2602 22nd Ave., Monroe, WI 53566. Condolences may be sent at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Reed Baumann, and is survived by children, Robert, Carol (Robert) Jeske, John (Katie), Joanne (Gene) Moore, Charlie (Wendy), and grandchildren, Ruthie (Richard) Vega, Robert, Benjamin, Kelley and Nick. Greatgrandchildren include Alex, Selena and Sophia.