Fredrick J. Bauman, 72, of Monroe passed away on Friday, February 23, 2024 at his home. He was born March 31, 1951 in Monroe, WI to Swiss immigrants, Fred and Hilda (Von Rotz) Bauman. He attended both Lena-Winslow and Warren High Schools, graduating in 1969. He married Anne Wilson on June 2,1973 in Warren, IL, when as an only child he married into a family where his wife was one of eleven children. Together Fred and Anne had two children, Barry and Brooke.
Fred farmed in the Wiota, Gratiot, South Wayne and Monroe areas before deciding to hang up the milkers and go to work at the then Iroquois Foundry, now Grede, in Browntown, where for the past 38 years he worked maintenance fixing, and occasionally breaking things. Because he was always moving, and working 40+ hours per week was not enough for him, he also worked part-time for several businesses over the years including Dorman’s Cheese, Arrow Sales, the American Legion and the Monroe United Methodist Church, where, for the past 24 years, most of which working side by side with his wife Anne, made sure the church was in top notch condition and embodied “cleanliness is next to godliness”. However, his favorite and most cherished “job” was that of Papa/Grandpa to Maddisyn, Ava and Archer.
Fred was an avid fan, expert “couch coach” and proud shareholder of the Green Bay Packers. He loved going to Green Bay to the holy land of Packer fans, Lambeau Field and cheering on his team whenever possible. It was always an adventure after the game when Fred could never remember where he parked the car. During the warmer months, he would be found driving around Monroe in his Mustang convertible checking out what was going on around town. He definitely made every situation more interesting whether it was with his unique theories, choice in crazy shirts that he was convinced would come back into style, or his “Fred hair”. His family found great amusement in getting Fred to attempt to pronounce Wisconsin city names like Ashwaubenon and Oconomowoc.
Fred was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Church of Monroe, but was undoubtedly a member of the Monroe United Methodist Church family.
Fred is survived by his wife of 50 years, Anne; son, Barry (Kirsten Rawson); daughter, Brooke (Ryan Drew); three grandchildren, Maddisyn, Ava and Archer; brothers and sisters-in-law, Marne Wilson, Carol Ruef, Eldon and Kitty Wilson, Emmy Wilson, Kenneth Wilson, David Wilson, Steve and Beth Wilson; and an abundance of adoring nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and great-great nieces and great-great nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Hilda in infancy; his father and mother-in-law, Lecil and Pauline Wilson; numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, and a great nephew.
Because Fred always enjoyed a good time, a celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 1-4 pm at the American Legion in Monroe. With a time of remembrance at 2 pm lead by Pastor Jeff Meyer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to family for a cause to be determined later.
Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at shriner111.com
