Dona-Rae (Miller) Baumgart, 66, of Kenosha, passed away on Thursday, April 12, 2012, at Froedtert Lutheran Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Born in Milwaukee, WI, on September 8, 1945, she was the only daughter of Rose A. and Charles Miller. Having an unusual name, she always explained that her father, a veteran, named her after two merchant marines (Don and Rae) that saved his life. She went to school at Carthage College and majored in music performance and education. She went on to become a beautiful opera singer and soon after realized her love for teaching. Dona-Rae would never have known that walking into a laundry mat would have changed her life forever. Roman P. Baumgart, noticing her a few times before, had decided to empty out all the quarters from the machine to get that chance to speak to the women he would share the next 37 years with. And it worked! On June 15, 1974, they were married in an evening ceremony lit by hundreds of white candles and honeymooned on the shores of Hawaii where they love vacationing. A member of Grace Lutheran Church, she was a very active member of the Masonic Lodge’s Order of the Eastern Star, White Shrine and Jobs Daughters. Surviving are her husband, Roman of Kenosha; three daughters, Deborah (Douglas) Wolf of Seattle, WA, and Kelly and Mary Baumgart, both of Kenosha. She was preceded in death by her cousin, Dale A. Fisher; extended family, Jim Smith and Doris Gebert; and her mother, Rose A. Miller, who will all meet her in heaven. She was talented and giving, a women of power and grace, and loving to so many. She will be missed and will forever live in our minds and hearts. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, the 19th of April, at Proko Funeral Home at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will be held on Thursday at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Dona-Rae's Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Joyce Petricig Fisher
April 23, 2012
Dear Roman, Debbie, Mary, and Kelly: We are so sorry for your loss! We enjoyed having your family at our house for various occasions, and will miss Dona-Rae. We know how hard it is to lose a loved one, but we also know that she is in heaven with Dale. Please support each other during this difficult time. God bless you all! Joyce, Anthony, Alex and Matt
Shelbie
April 19, 2012
My most heartfelt sympathies to the Baumgart family during this very difficult time. Please find comfort in the following poem...."I'm free" Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free I'm following the path he has chosen for me. I took his hand when I heard him call; I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way; I've now found peace at the end of the day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joys. A friendship shared, a laugh a kiss; oh yes, these things, I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow look for the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I savored much; good friends, good times, a loved ones touch. Perhaps my time seems all to brief; don't lengthen your pain with undue grief. Lift up your heart and peace to thee, he wanted me now - he set me free
Lindsay
April 17, 2012
Mary and Kelly I am deeply saddened to hear of your moms passing. I hope that God gives you the courage to get through this difficult time. May you find love, strength, and prayer among each other. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Robert Hall (Countyline electric)
April 17, 2012
Roman, deepest sympathies on your loss. I moved to Floida 7 years agoand got my electrical license here. I sure wish FP&L was as easy to work with as you guys were. God Bless
Jeff, Sherry, Payton, and Carly Romano
April 17, 2012
Our family was deeply saddened to learn about the sudden passing of Dona-Rae. We spoke with our children about her and her memories, most recently at our home over Christmas. We wish you strength, courage, and positive reflection of her life with us. We will see Dona-Rae in heaven at another time.
Kevin Anderson
April 16, 2012
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Dona-Rae. Enjoy the memories you have and take comfort in knowing she's in Gods hands. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Kris Winzer Miller
April 15, 2012
Sympathies to Dona-Rae's family from the Berryville teachers! Thank you for your part in making Berryville School such a joyous place!