Leonard F. Bauman

Leonard Frank Bauman, 89, Fenwood, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 8, 2014 at Kennedy Park Medical and Rehabilitation Center, Weston. He was born January 13, 1925 in Wausau, son of the late Edwin and Amelia (Kragenbrink) Bauman. Leonard was baptized, confirmed and was a lifetime member of St. John Lutheran Church ELCA, town of Wien. He graduated from Edgar High School in 1942 and joined the United States Army in 1944, serving in the 75th division. Leonard was a bugler at basic training and went on to see action in the Battle of the Bulge, Colmar Pocket, and Ardenne's Forest. When the war was over, he was stationed in France with the occupation army and was discharged in 1946. In 1947, he met Lillian Wurthmann through the matchmaking scheme of his uncle, Louie. The scheme worked, and Leonard and Lillian were married on May 19, 1949. Leonard's first business venture was owner/operator of a granite power shoveling and bulldozing service. Upon his father's retirement, he took ownership of Bauman's Garage at which he sold American Motor cars and repaired cars. In 1975, he bought the Fenwood Bowling Alley, which he operated until his retirement in 1984. Len's Lanes was probably Leonard's favorite business, because it allowed him to do what he was a master of, socializing. When you came through the door, he would greet you with a short joke, cold beer, and good conversation. Leonard was a founding member of the Fenwood Lions Club, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Stratford and American Legion, Edgar. Leonard loved to drive and travel. After selling the bowling alley, he drove school bus while he waited for Lillian to retire. In 1988, Leonard and Lillian purchased a motorhome and traveled the country. They joined the Good Sam RV Club and loved traveling and making new friends. They especially enjoyed using their motorhome to spend winters in Arizona until 2008. He is survived by his wife, Lillian; four children, Brant (Rosa) of Tempe, Ariz., Brian of San Francisco, Cal., Jean (Chuck) Krause of Appleton and Jay (Sue) of Weston; five grandchildren, Scott Bauman, Kaitlin and Elliot Krause, and Rachel and Emily Bauman. Funeral services will be at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12, 2014 at St. John Lutheran Church, ELCA, Highway N, town of Wien. Rev. Gail Sowell will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery with full military honors. Friends may call on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Leonard's name. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Kennedy Park and Ministry Home Care Hospice for their loving care of Leonard. eterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com