Linda Marie Baumgarten
Linda Marie Baumgarten , Age 77
Linda Marie Baumgarten (Griffith) of Baraboo returned to her heavenly home on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the age of 77. Linda was born to Edwin Griffith and Caroline (Radke) Griffith-Siberz on July 28th, 1947. Linda was united in marriage to James M. Baumgarten on June 13, 1970 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Baraboo.
Linda was the oldest of 10 siblings which was quite a responsibility. She was a very loving and generous sister and always set a good example.
Linda attended grade school at St. Joseph School in Baraboo and graduated from Baraboo Senior High School in the class of 1965. After graduation, Linda went on to earn her master’s degree in Elementary Education from the UW-Platteville. Her first teaching experience was in the Racine Unified Schools where she taught for three years. In 1970 she moved back to Baraboo and taught at her alma mater, St. Joesph School. Linda was a very dedicated teacher and taught at St. Joseph School for 43 years. She taught three generations of students, and mentored some of her fellow teachers, who themselves were her previous students. Linda was awarded the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award in Education. In addition, Linda was a member of the UW-Extension - Home and Community Education.
Linda was a woman of great faith and spent much of her time volunteering in her faith community. She was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Church where she was on the Parish Council, Vice President of the Catholic Council of Women, member of St. Martha’s Lunch group, and check writer for Crew 5 Bingo for thirteen years. Linda was a Master Gardener and took much pride in planting and caring for the flower boxes at the church/school.
Linda and her husband Jim owned and operated Freedom Inn in North Freedom, WI for 11 years. Together they enjoyed going to their lake home on Callahan Lake near Hayward. Many memories were made at the lake house, playing cards and games with family and friends. Linda was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 172, volunteered for the Sauk County Children’s Giving Tree, and was the lucky winner of Super Bowl XXXII tickets to watch her loved Green Bay Packers.
Linda was preceded in death by Jim, her loving husband of 41 years, her parents, Edwin Griffith and Caroline Griffith Siberz, her mother and father-in-law Shirley and Oscar Baumgarten; brothers-in-law Patrick Zimmerman and Ralph Luther.
Linda is survived by her step-father Raymond Siberz, siblings, John Griffith, Rose (Gary) Douglas, Mary (Mitchell) Schmieder, Connie Griffith, Nancy (Ken) Ender, Jeffrey Griffith, Judy Gaffney, Lisa Zimmerman, Jim Griffith. Sisters-in-law, Shari Luther and Jacki (Gary) Crawford, brother-in-law, Dan Baumgarten. Many loved nieces, nephews and cousins; as well as, her Four-Star family.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Joseph Church in Baraboo on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Visitation at 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in North Freedom. The Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Condolences
Carol Matthews June 30, 2025
Cousin Darlington , South Carolina
Sending you love and prayers during this difficult time. I love you cuz
Brenda Emery June 30, 2025
Cousin North Freedom , Wisconsin
So sorry for your loss!! Sending prayers for peace & comfort during this sad time
Lee and Michelle Bushweiler June 30, 2025
Co-worker/friend Wisconsin Dells , Wisconsin
Our prayers and condolences go out to her family. Linda knew so many people and was always willing to share the history of Baraboo. She blessed us all with her presence.
Wlliam & Mariita Griffith June 30, 2025
Cousin Dumfries , Virginia
We are sorry to hear of Linda’s passing. Always enjoyed breakfast with her after church on Sundays when we were visiting Baraboo
Karon Hohn July 01, 2025
Cousin Mitchell , South Dakota
Sorry for your loss, remember the good times they are your memories to keep and share as well. Will miss you Cuz.
Kathy Przybylski July 01, 2025
Parishioner BARABOO , Wisconsin
My condolences to the family. I graduated with her sister Connie. My children had her for a teacher at St. Joe's. They all know what a fine teacher she was. May she rest in peace.
Sue Gogue July 01, 2025
Teaching colleague Baraboo , Wisconsin
It was a joy sharing 7th and 8th graders for three years with Linda at St. Joe’s. Our rooms were across from each other which made collaborating in the hall very convenient. Linda was a superb reading and language arts teacher!
Nanette Dagnon July 01, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Linda was a very special lady and valued teacher. When I was principal at St. Joseph School, she and I discovered we had both taught in Racine from 1967-1970. Sending you dear ones my deepest Sympathy, Prayers, and Love.
Jerald Kaney July 01, 2025
Cousin Milwaukee , Wisconsin
Many fond memories of Linda going back to her college days,when she spent several of her summer breaks,living and working with us here in Milwaukee.Always a kind,thoughtful and caring lady.........she will be missed by so many.
Randy Reinfeldt July 01, 2025
Relative Las Vegas , Nevada
I’d like to extend my condolences to Linda’s family and many friends . My Mother came from the Baumgarten family tree. May the Lord Comfort you in the days ahead.
Tina Gebhard July 02, 2025
Former student Poynette , Wisconsin
One of my favorite St Joe’s teachers! What an amazing woman with a huge servant’s heart!
Julie & Denny Rose July 02, 2025
Friends Baraboo , Wisconsin
Aw Linda, thanks for all the memories. You never got to teach Denny how to grill chicken the right way. So many memories of our early married years as couple friends. So much fun with tons of laughs. I'm sure Jesus welcomed you with open arms. Well done good and faithful servant.
Connie’s July 02, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
To Lindas family, you have my deepest sympathy. Linda was a WONDERFUL LADY and will be missed. Hugs and prayers. Sincerely, Connie Harrison
Laurie Stout July 02, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Dear family of Linda, I am sorry for your loss. What a great lady. I taught with her at St. Joe’s Barb Nielsen and I were lucky to have her as a friend. We had many fun nights out together and loved her laugh
Kevin pickar July 02, 2025
Friend Alsip , Illinois
So sorry to hear of Linda's passing, her and Jim were two of the nicest people I have ever had the privilege to know. RIP linda
Colette Salyer July 02, 2025
Friend Middleton , Wisconsin
To John and Judy, and the rest of your siblings and family I am so very sorry for your loss. Linda was a very special woman. I was lucky enough to get to know her when I worked at four-star family restaurant. She always remembered my birthday and knew that I loved aprons and bought me one every year for my birthday. She will indeed be missed. My heart goes out to all of you. Fly high. Linda!
Albie Dzeladini July 02, 2025
Friend Barbaboo , Wisconsin
We are heartbroken over the loss of Linda. She wasn’t just a customer — she was part of our family. Her kindness, thoughtful gifts, and daily visits brought so much warmth into our lives. She made every day brighter with her presence, and we will forever cherish the memories we shared with her. Fun Fact : Linda always remember everyone’s birthday! Please know our hearts are with you during this difficult time. May her memory be a blessing. With heartfelt sympathy, Isak, Dija, Buska, Albie, Ben and The Four Star Family
Sharon Maffei July 08, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Remembering a lovely lady and wonderful teacher. Rest in peace.