Clara Mae Baumann

Clara Mae (Lenz) Baumann, age 95, passed away at home on January 27th, 2024. She was born on August 30th, 1928 to Joseph and Harriet (Vander Steen) Lenz. She married Henry Baumann on August 26th, 1950. He preceded her in death after 57 years of wedded bliss. Together Henry and Clara lovingly raised 5 children.

  Clara was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She had a quick-witted sarcasm, which always kept people on their toes. Her sharp mind and feisty spirit never dulled, and they stayed with her until the very end. She loved to crochet making afghans, Christmas Tree skirts, and baby blankets for family, friends, and charity raffles. She also made lap blankets for disabled vets. And it was said that Mom made the best Liver Pate around.

  Besides being a great mother, Mom loved going to the Appleton American Legion Club where she was a member of Unit 38 Auxiliary. For 30 years she fried fish there on Friday nights. She also liked to tell stories about growing up in Little Chute, swimming, fishing, and going down to the locks and catching frogs so her Mom could make frog legs.

  Mom enjoyed growing flowers, especially roses. Dad would till up the garden and us kids would help her plant and take care of the flower bed. Dad would always say “ If you can’t eat it you shouldn’t grow it”. Dad loved his vegetable garden.

  Mom and Dad also liked to travel. Whether it was to Hawaii when Dad retired, out to Reno to visit friends, or several bus trips with our Aunt and Uncle, they always had a good time.

  She will be sadly missed by her daughters, Linda (John) Brietzman, Sally (Frank) Baublit, sons David (Carrie) Baumann, and Tom Baumann. Also, a sister-in-law, Helen Lenz, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, relatives, and friends.

  She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry, son, Henry and daughter JoAnn Reischl, daughter-in-law Connie (Brunette) Baumann, parents Joseph and Harriet (Vander Steen) Lenz, brothers . Norman Lenz, Donald (Gladys) Lenz, Joseph (Mary) Lenz, James (Mary and Helen) Lenz. Brothers and sisters-law Elizabeth (Russ) Burns, Raymond (Virginia) Baumann, Marie (Gene) Bushman, Clem (Marion) Baumann, Carl (Eileen) Baumann, Nicholas (Jean) Baumann, Gertrude (Emmett) Decker, Blanche (Richard) Strelka, Joseph (Jeanette) Baumann, and Claire (Leona) Baumann.

  We would like to thank Ana, the wonderful in home caregiver that has been taking great care of Mom for the past 1-1/2 years. Also, Sister Stephany from St. Thomas More for coming every week and visiting Mom and giving her Holy communion.

  Visitation will be on Friday February 2nd, 2024 from 9-11 at St. Thomas More Church, 1810 N. McDonald St. Appleton, WI. Funeral liturgy will be held at 11. Entombment will be held in Appleton Highland Memorial Park at a later date.

Memorial proceeds will be donated to Unit 38 Auxiliary.