Barbara L. Baeseman

Barbara Louise Baeseman, 84; our dad's wife and our mom, sister, grandmother, great grand mammy, entered into eternal life on October 28, passing from a broken heart after losing her husband, Norbert, just weeks before. Barbara Vaughn was born and raised in Mercer, Wisconsin and attended the K-12 school there. She met Norbert Baeseman in 1952 and they were married in 1956. Together they built a home on Rock Lake in Winchester where they remained the rest of their 65 years together.
Barbara believed in the philosophy, “We cannot direct the wind but we can adjust our sails,” which is now what we must do without them both.
In the late '70s, after having five children, Barbara decided to start a new chapter of her life and began attending community college, eventually obtaining her associate's, bachelor's, and Master of Arts in Education. Barbara would work as an educator at the Lac du Flambeau Elementary School, retiring after sixteen years.
After retirement, Barbara and Norbert began many wonderful adventures in their fifth wheel camper (Alaska, Montana, Canada, Wyoming). Oh, the fun they had! Oftentimes Barb and Norb would be off the radar for many days, (no cell phone) much to the dismay of their children. Those two would just twinkle when scolded with reprimands about the strict rules of "checking in" that they were so emphatic about in earlier years with their kids.
Later in life, Barb and Norb enjoyed stay-at-home contentment on Rock Lake spending time with their kids, grandkids and great grandkids. Barb was a top chef in the kitchen, preparing the meals for all of the holidays and summer gatherings. She loved creating beautiful things whether it be painting, cross-stitch, embroidery, crochet rugs, afghans, colored pencil art, all of which she would work on in winter while watching the snow fall.
Barbara found great joy in gospel music, Irish folk music and afternoons in her garden or gazebo. She took delight in sitting on her own little pier, toes in the water, watching the loons.
Those who knew Barb can attest that she was a fierce football fan. From the first whistle of pre-games right up to the presentation of the Lombardi trophy, Barb wasn't to be interrupted on Sunday, Monday or Thursday nights.
The television even took a few hits with a sponge Packer brick a time or two.
Barbara is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Norbert; her parents, Ines Stone and R.J. “Arjay” Vaughn.
Barbara is survived by her children, Sandra, Dale, Karen, Diane, Jay and spouses; twelve grandchildren and spouses; nine great grandchildren. Barb is also survived by sisters Phyllis, Janis, Darlene and family; brothers Leroy, Arjay, Harvey, Carl and family. Barb also leaves behind many dear friends whom she considered her family.
We were very lucky and so blessed to have Barbara as ours. We will always need her, especially when we need a friend (or some clever humor in our day). She will be missed and celebrated forever and we will ring her "dinner bell" each year on her birthday.
Celebration of Norbert and Barbara’s lives will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the wonderful Winchester EMS and Fire Departments which have been amazing to our family through these difficult times and always.
Cards of remembrance/donation can be sent to:
9007 North Star Road, Winchester, WI 54557.
And so together they walked toward a place called forever.