Dennis Robert Baumann
July 02, 1962 - October 01, 2020
Obituary
RIDGEWAY – Dennis Robert Baumann, age 58, of Ridgeway, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, in Ridgeway. He was born on July 2, 1962, in Madison.
Dennis grew up in Cottage Grove and graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1984. He went on to graduate from UW-Platteville, majoring in Business, and then UW-Whitewater, majoring in Education. Dennis married Dawn Miller on April 8, 1989. He became a proud father to Natalie Marie “Natty B” on Nov. 25, 1994.
Dennis worked for Webcrafters and Wisconsin Supply in Madison, then went on to teach at the Riverdale School District in Muscoda, where he worked with first, third, fourth and fifth graders for 18 years. He then moved over to the Dodgeville School District, where he taught fifth grade for five years. He was the union president at both schools and served proudly to help his fellow teachers.
Dennis loved all sports. He was a proud season ticket holder for 30 plus years for the UW Badgers football team. He proudly went to root on the Badgers in the 1994 Rose Bowl, 2017 Orange Bowl, and an NCAA Basketball final. He was a season ticket holder for UW Hockey. As an avid NASCAR lover he attended several races throughout his life, all while collecting an extensive diecast collection mostly consisting of Matt Kenseth. Dennis played softball and baseball in the Rock River league for the Cottage Grove Hybrids, then for the Home Talent League for Deerfield and Cottage Grove.
Dennis was a 30 plus year member of the WIAA Officials Association and was honored to do a Girls State Semi-Finals Basketball game in 2015. He also worked at two high school all-star games in basketball. Dennis also officiated high school baseball and football games. He really loved those Friday night games standing in the RAIN.
Dennis was a proud Bruce Springsteen fan and attended many concerts of all genres with family and friends.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Phyllis and Eugene Baumann; and nephew, Michael Lenz.
In addition to his wife and daughter, he is survived by his brother, Kenneth (Murphy) Baumann; sisters, Deborah (Ken) Behnke and Susan (Terry) Poster; sisters-in-law, Kelly (Brian) Griffin and Ginger (Tony) Cordova; along with numerous nephews and two nieces.
A private family service will be held. Visitation will be held at BARNEVELD LUTHERAN CHURCH, 505 Swiss Lane, Barneveld, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020. Face masks are required.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb
Funeral & Cremation Care
500 N. Eighth St.
(608) 437-5077
Events
Visitation
Sun Oct 4, 2020 @ 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM CDT
Barneveld Lutheran Church • 505 Swiss Lane, Barneveld, wi null
Photos
No photos of Dennis have been shared yet.
Memories
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Amber Boone
Other •
As I was driving home from school on Thursday October 1, the very moment I passed Ridgeway deep in thought about the day with a heavy heart I happened to look up and see directly above Ridgeway the most clear, beautiful rainbow as if Dennis was still there (he was in spirit). He has touched so many people; students and adults alike. What a beautiful way to show your positive light one last time Dennis! It was absolutely beautiful! It was a pleasure working with you! You will be greatly missed. God Speed.
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Aprile Schreck
Other •
I worked with Dennis at DES. He was an incredible teacher and leader. He helped me immensely last year. I will never forget his devotion and hard work in guiding me through one of the most difficult times during my teaching career. I could not have gotten through it without him. He was and will always be an inspiration! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Aprile Schreck
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Suzanne Brown
Other •
Dennis was a positive supportive coworker with a passion for The Boss, NASCAR racing a most of all his family. So sad to here of his passing.
Suzanne Brown
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Dave Wollin
Other •
Denny was my childhood best friend. We grew up on Taylor Street in Cottage Grove together. I remember sledding down "Viken's" Hill, playing with our Matchbox cars in his driveway (he was a NASCAR fan way back then, I had no idea who Buddy Baker was), riding our bikes all over town, playing baseball and softball together.
We lost touch a few years after high school, but had a random meeting at a grocery store in Cambridge in the early 90s. We spent a short time catching up on each other's lives. My childhood "glory stories" always include Denny. My best memories are of our times together.
My sincerest condolences to Dawn and Natalie, as well as Ken, Debbie and Susie. I hope that the memories you all have of him give you comfort and make you smile, just as my memories of him do for me. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Dave Wollin
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Linda Dollak
Other •
So surprised to hear of your passing after replying to a message on Facebook, and asking if you had a sister, Susan, who was a friend of mine in school. I also grew up in Cottage Grove. I remember you as a little kid about 6 or 7 years old. May you rest in the loving arms of our Lord, and may God watch over your wife and child, and your brother and sisters! Linda (Kessler) Dollak Portland, TN
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James R Nelson
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JIM Nelson
Dennis was very much connected to sports. He referred many basketball games and umpired many baseball games. Dennis, to me was a true caring person. When I worked for Per Mar Security at the U W basketball games, Dennis and Dawn were always there--We discussed many of the events together. When I would meet Dennis in church, he would always ask me how I was doing and was concerned about me. To me,. he was a true caring person. he was a supporting person, who always lifted up my spirits. He was a great guy, who will be missed by all. Dawn and Natilie, I am Praying for you and all his loved ones. With deep respect. psalm 46 GOD is our strength and refuge in the time of sorrow" With sincere respect. Jim