Bruce Oscar Baum

Bruce Oscar Baum was born on August 7, 1940, in Bowler, Wisconsin, to Willy and Ethel Baum. Using timber from his own Bowler Lumber Company, Willy built a family home on nearby Shawano Lake, where Bruce grew up and later taught his children to swim, fish, and waterski. This lake would remain a cherished family spot, where Bruce and his wife planned to retire and watch their grandchildren enjoy the lake's activities. 

Bruce met his future wife at a high school basketball game, where he played to impress the charming cheerleader from the opposing Gresham team. Their first date involved card games with her family, an activity that continued as they loved playing Bridge with friends over the years. Bruce and Ann married in 1964 and raised their 5 children in Appleton, WI. 

Parenting came naturally to Ann as a kindergarten teacher and after growing up the eldest of five. As an air compressor salesman with only one older brother, Bruce faced a steeper learning curve. However, he approached it with warmth and good humor, often relying on his wife's guidance. Bruce’s love for his children was unconditional and he always stepped up when needed, which was often when his children were at their most vulnerable. Whether it was getting in trouble at school, a speeding ticket or damaging a family vehicle, Bruce parented with compassion and had a knack for knowing when to stay calm and when his childrens’ remorse was punishment enough. 

Bruce was known for his fun-loving nature and creative April Fool's pranks, which became increasingly elaborate over the years. From fake fire drills to saran-wrapped toilet seats, his family never saw it coming. He loved the element of surprise, like the literal unveiling of a sparkling burnt orange Checkmate ski boat in the driveway when all the Baum kids were used to skiing behind was a battered aluminum fishing boat with a 10hp motor. 

Shawano Lake is where Bruce was at his best. He loved to share stories about his experiences growing up on the lake, but more importantly he made every effort to take his children to the lake, so they had the opportunity to create their own stories to tell. A salesman to the end, Bruce recently convinced his daughter to buy a jet ski for the lake, knowing how much his grandchildren would enjoy it. Shawano Lake will never be the same without Bruce and a Manhattan, but because of him it will always be cherished. 

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Ethel and Willy Baum, his brother Bill, and his wife Ann Louise Baum (Schoenberger). 

He is survived by his five children and eighteen grandchildren: Kurt (Laura) Baum – Margaret and Anna; Karl (Carrie) Baum – Madeleine and Christopher VandenHeuval; Mark (Danielle) Baum – Max, Pierce, Ava, Lila; Kari (Robert) Hegeman – Mary, Alice, Hank, Joe, Danny, Ann Louise, Ned; Matt (Emily) Baum – Owen, Drew, Grant. 

The family extends their gratitude to the providers and staff at Shawano Thedacare Medical Center and the hospice care team for their excellent care of Bruce. Also, a special thanks to Jenny Hass from Jenny’s Assisted Living and his amazing neighbors for taking care of Bruce in his home and helping fulfill Bruce’s wishes to stay on Shawano Lake. 

Please note that there will be no public funeral service. Family and friends will be invited to a Celebration of Life to honor Bruce. Details of the Celebration of Life will be shared privately. 

In lieu of flowers or other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to Kurt Baum.