Oscar M. Baumgarten, age 76, of North Freedom, passed away on Tuesday, November 7, 2000, at St. Clare Hospital. Oscar, the son of Albert and Ella (Uphoff) Baumgarten, was born on May 5, 1924 in Ableman, Wisconsin, now known as Rock Springs. He was baptized, confirmed and a faithful member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in North Freedom. Oscar was united in marriage to Shirley Decker on September 3, 1944, at Christ Lutheran Church in the town of Greenfield. He was a mechanic and maintenance technician for many years, and had been employed by Baraboo Equipment from 1964 until 1984 when he retired. His hobbies included farming and restoring his old Hudson. However, his greatest passion was his love of music, from his beloved hymns to his old-time polkas and waltzes. Oscar was a self-taught musician from the age of 10, when he received his first guitar. He was the bass player and lead singer for the Music Masters, and later on for the Melody Four, for more than 40 years, and dearly loved watching the dance floor fill up with so many happy people. He also sang at countless weddings and funerals. Oscar's legacy is his humor, quick whit and especially his one-liners which will be lovingly remembered and often quoted by his children and grandchildren! He is survived by his wife, Shirley Baumgarten of North Freedom; four children, James (Linda) Baumgarten of Baraboo, Shari (Ralph) Luther of Madison, Jacki (Gary) Crawford of Baraboo and Danny (JoAnn) Baumgarten of North Freedom; six grandchildren, Jeff, Jill, Kevin, BreeAnn, Brady and Bailey; a great-grandchild, Clayton; a sister, Mildred Palenshus of B
Bucyrus, Ohio; a brother, Gilbert (Irene) Baumgarten of Rock Springs; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Leola. Funeral services were held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in North Freedom. Interment was made in Oak Hill Cemetery in North Freedom.

Grampa - Thank you for all the hugs and kisses and for teaching us the importance of laughter. Your love will be in our hearts forever. Jeff, Jill, Kevin, BreeAnn, Brady, Bailey and Clayton.
Dad - Wish we could see the angels' faces when they hear your sweet voice sing...until we meet again. All of love, Jim, Shari, Jacki and Dan.