David M. Baumann, 79, of Reedsville died Wednesday April 29th, 2026 at his home. He was born February 11, 1947 in Manitowoc, WI, son of the late Melvin and Eleanor (Bruechert) Baumann. David joined the United States Marine Corp when he turned 18. During his first 2 years he served in Vietnam as a 3rd Force Recon Marine. Through his combat years he earned a Silver Star, 3 Bronze Stars, and 3 Purple Hearts. Dave was part of a platoon of 396 Recon Marines that served in Vietnam together – Only 22 of them survived and returned home. These 22 were invited to go to Washington D.C. to meet President Johnson and awarded a gold ring inlaid with a sword design that represents gallantry and bravery. David spent the last two years of service at Camp Lejeune, running the USMC gym. In 1968, he competed in weightlifting as part of the elite USMC squad. As a sergeant in the USMC, David was a key member of the USMC weightlifting team at the marine base in Quantico. He participated in the 1968 Inter-Service Championships. It was well documented through military athletic history that he was a top performer in weightlifting at Quantico.

After military service in 1969, he played minor league football in Madison, WI. He organized the UW Madison LaCrosse team that went on to win all their tournaments while he was involved. David also successfully competed in many Martial Arts competitions. Through the 70's and 80's, David worked for Wackenhut Security as a bounty hunter in Florida. Returning to Madison, he opened and ran several health clubs for a few years. He and his brother Jim opened two Baumann Delis in Madison. He worked for UW Madison as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician and UW Hospital as a medical assistant. Throughout his last 30 years he was an extra in approximately 27 movies filmed in Wisconsin.

David married Laurie Garren in 2005 and joined her in running her horse boarding/training facility. In 2007, they retired and moved up to Reedsville to enjoy their horse farm on the Manitowoc River. David restored his 1934 Huppmobile which he purchased in the early 60's for $130.00 when he was in 8th grade. The last few years Dave and Laurie loved taking the car to local car shows where they won 1st place every time.

Survivors include his wife Laurie, their 4 children, Chad Garren (Lisa Hartzheim), Gina Lohman (Jim), Chase Garren (Daisy), Brianna Ruby, and 3 grandchildren, Jack, Ryan, and Kate. He is also survived by his siblings Jim Baumann, John Baumann, Kathy Lannoye (Wayne), and Karen Geisler (Gary) and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many more relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Meiselwitz-Vollstedt-DeTroye Funeral Home (815 6th Street, Kiel) with Rev. Nicole Herda officiating.  Visitation will be on Friday, May 15, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. when brief family rites will be held.  Military Funeral Honors will immediately follow the service.  Burial will be held at a later date for immediate family only.  Please visit www.meiselwitzfh.com to send online condolences.