Mary Ann Bauman, 79, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sept. 24, 2022. Mary was born on March 8, 1943 in Janesville and raised in Evansville, the daughter of George and Anna (Linsmeier) Wollinger. Mary graduated from Evansville High School in 1960 and attended Green County Teachers College. There she received her teaching degree, and taught at Footville and Orfordville grade schools. Mary was united in marriage to William Bauman II and together raised their children and worked in the Bauman Ace Hardware family business over the next 33 years. After selling the family business, what she missed the most was the wonderful employees and customers that she met over the years; she thought of them all like family. Mary was a lifelong member of St. Victor’s Church (St. Clare of Assisi Parish) in Monroe, she was involved with foster care, hosted AFS students, and was a volunteer at the Monroe Clinic. She had a passion for traveling, fishing, camping, watching soap operas, cheering on the Packers, and spending time with her family. She was a true “Warrior” as she faced Multiple Sclerosis for 53 years with courage, optimism, humor, and even joy that marked her life. She always remained positive, and exemplified grace due to her strong faith. She was called an “inspiration” by all who knew her.
She is survived by two children, William III (Jane) of Sun Prairie, Amy (Brian) Meier of Monroe; nine Grandchildren, Alyssa and Macayla Quinn, Arianna Voegeli, BJ and Jon Bauman, Carly Volk, Anthony and Mike Garibay, and Anna Ysquierdo; eighteen great grandchildren; her brother, Donald Wollinger; sisters, Delores (John) Hein, Kathy (Doug) Johnson; sisters-in-law, Janice Wollinger, Kay (Rob) Christman, Ann (Ross) Moody, Barb (Dan) Gelbach; brothers-in-law, Harold Neal, John (Jenny) Bauman; many nieces, nephews, and extended family; and two very special grand dogs. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, George Wollinger; sisters, Agnes Neal and Helen Bennett; brother-in-law, Robert Bennett; sister-in-law Karolyn Wollinger; nieces, Jacqueline Wollinger Smolin, Anna Christman Horvath; and nephews, Benjamin Neal, and Todd Draeving.
The family wishes to express deep gratitude to the staff at SSM: Dr. Hubbard, Sarah Smith, Karly Kurth, and Hospice for the compassionate care provided through this journey.
A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Victor of Assisi Parish at St. Victor Catholic Church with Father Tafadzwa Kushamba officiating. Inurnment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Monroe. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday, October 1, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Mary’s family would prefer that masks be worn while inside the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be donated in Mary’s name to St. Clare of Assisi Parish, or Green County Fall Nationals. The NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, Monroe, is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net
