Phyllis M. Bauman

Phyllis M. Bauman, 92, of Merrill, passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Phyllis was born on July 9, 1934, in Merrill, Wisconsin, to Christian and Erna (Sense) Schneider.

On August 8, 1959, she married the love of her life, Lylas "Lyle" Bauman. They shared a beautiful 53 years of marriage, filled with love and laughter, until Lyle’s passing on August 8, 2012.

Phyllis had a passion for teaching and earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Concordia University in Seward, NE. She truly made a difference in the lives of her students, teaching in various locations including Hickory, NC, and returning to her roots in Merrill, where she worked at Trinity Lutheran School, St. John Lutheran School, Scott School, and Jefferson School. After retiring in 1993, she continued to dedicate her time and talents by assisting at Trinity Lutheran School.

An active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill, Phyllis devoted her time to several boards and committees, sang in church choirs, taught Bible classes, and volunteered at the food bank. She also served as a former Circuit Representative for the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF).

Outside of her teaching and church commitments, Phyllis was an active community member. She volunteered at the gift shop at the former Good Samaritan Health Center, served on the Friends of the Library Board and the Habitat for Humanity Board, and was a part of the Cover-to-Cover Book Club. Phyllis was also a familiar face at the Blood Bank Blood Drives and took pride in her role as a Bethesda volunteer and day manager.

In her spare time, Phyllis loved to walk, read, sing, knit, and travel.

Survivors include her children, Ruth Bauman of Virginia Beach, VA, Sara (John) Nordling of Fort Wayne, IN, Mary (Thomas) Schmitt of Chilton, WI, and David (Nancy) Bauman of Little Canada, MN; grandchildren, Jennifer (Jake) Thomas of Glenwood, IA and Andrew (Marit) Bauman of Circle Pines, MN; and great grandchildren, Madison, Brooklyn, Vivianne, Colton, and Ivan.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Lylas “Lyle” Bauman; parents, Christian and Erna Schneider; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ted and Selma Bauman; and siblings, Lorraine (Phil) Swift, Margaret Schneider, Gilbert Schneider, Warren Schneider, and David Schneider.

Per Phyllis’ wishes, a private graveside service will be held at a later date.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com