Sandra L. (Schultz) Baumgarten, age 82, of Tomah passed away on February 21, 2025 at the Serenity House in Tomah, WI, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 5, 1942 to LeRoy and Doris Schultz in Wausau, Wisconsin. Sandy was united in marriage on September 19, 1964 to Richard Baumgarten at St. James Catholic Church in Wausau, Wisconsin. They celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary this past fall, surrounded by close friends and family.
Sandy graduated from Wausau East High School in 1961. Following graduation from high school, she worked as a library aide at the Wausau Public Library. She attended University of Wisconsin Extension in Wausau while working at the library. She moved to Tomah with Dick in 1964 and they built a life together. Sandy worked at the Tomah Area Chamber of Commerce until she was hired as the head librarian at the Tomah Public Library. She left the library in 1970 for her most cherished role, raising Kurt and Lori. Once the kids were older she again worked at the library with special project work at St. Mary’s grade school, Tomah High School, and the Tomah Public Library. She retired from library work in 2004. In addition to being known by many as the library lady, Sandy was known in the community as a warm, welcoming friend and a gracious hostess and wonderful cook.
Sandy was also an excellent seamstress, and enjoyed making clothing for her kids when they were younger including formal dresses for spring dances that her and Dick would attend together. Dick and Sandy enjoyed traveling, enjoying Italy. They cruised the North Atlantic on the Regent Sun. They traveled with the Princess Cruise line to Alaska, the Panama Canal, and South America. They also took motor coach train trips including Branson, and other parts of the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Sandy also donated blood to the Red Cross for many years, another example of her generosity to help others. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
She is survived by her loving husband, Dick Baumgarten; son, Kurt (Kathleen) Baumgarten; daughter, Lori (Randy) Scott; grandchildren, Derrick (Yen) Scott, Shelby (Cody)Stone, Mariah (Daniel) Riese, Jacob Fredricks, and Zeke Fredricks; great grandchildren, Sam Scott, Hallie Stone, Scottie Stone, Jamie Riese, and Colby Riese; two sisters, Barbara Schultz, and Karen (Tom) Davis; along with numerous nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, other relatives, and friends.
Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and Doris Schultz; and several brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Queen of Apostles Catholic Church in Tomah. Father Ethan Hokamp will officiate. Sandy will be laid to rest in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Tomah, following the funeral Mass. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a rosary beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Additional visitation will be held on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Sandy's memory may be given to the Queen of the Apostles School Endowment Fund or to Hospice Touch of Tomah.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
