William R. Baum

William “Bill” Robert Baum Sr., 85, of Onalaska, passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2021 in Mesa, AZ of a heart condition. Bill was born April 22, 1935 in La Crosse to Oscar and Alma (Scharf) Baum. He spent his formative years with the family of Ruby and Joe Johnson of Osseo, WI. He graduated in 1953 from Osseo High. Bill married the love of his life, Beverly Morley on Sept. 25th, 1955. They were blessed with 3 boys. Bill and Bev enjoyed 60 years of marriage. Bill was an American Family Insurance agent for 30 years and attained “All American” status for the majority of those years. He was a loving family man. His love for all things outdoors was a perfect fit with his sons, hunting, fishing and dog training were his passions. Bill was involved in many organizations and clubs during his long life. He was a member of the National Guard, Lion’s Club, Black Hawk Retriever’s Club, Stone Hearth Kennels and Dog Training Club, and the La Crosse Businessman’s Association. He was nominated for the Jefferson Award for his extensive blood donations. Bill is survived by his sons, Michael of Neilsville, WI., Jerry (Joni) of Bristol, SD.; grandchildren Michelle Snyder, Nathan, Brandon, and Ali Behrninger; great grandchildren, Kayla, Alexis, Ruby, Ian, and Silas; also, a special friend, Jean Herlitzka; sister, Imogene Greathouse, Sandra Gatz, Judy (Michael) Jubien, Linda (Todd) Clark, Collette Baum, Janet (Joe) Willzius; Brothers, Gary Baum, David (Janet) Baum and Ron (Cindy) Rowald; brother and sister in law, Tony and Elaine Keily. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly and Son William Jr. “Willy”; sisters, Carol Childers and Susan Camp; foster brothers, Donald and Maurice Johnson, and foster sister, Norma Brixen A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 14th, 2021 at 11:00 am at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St., Onalaska with Pastor Jason Stanton celebrating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. A livestream of the service will be available in the link on his obituary at www.couleecremation.com. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William R. Baum, please visit our flower store.