Vivian Fay Baumgartner

Vivian Fay Baumgartner (Midthun), 71, of Mequon, WI, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, following a brave and determined battle with cancer, with her loving family and close friends by her side.

Vivian was born on May 17, 1954, in Madison, WI, the daughter of Florence Midthun (Edge). She went to Madison Area Technical College, earning an associate degree in Dental Hygiene. She later went to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and earned a bachelor's degree in fine arts and art history.

Vivian married her soulmate, Steve Baumgartner, on June 13, 1987, in Verona, WI. They met on a blind date in 1980 and have been best friends ever since. They traveled the world together, visiting 46 countries and 38 states. Her favorite countries were Norway, Italy, France, and Dubai. They hiked a glacier, swam with dolphins, rode camels on a desert tour to see the Bedouin people in Dubai, and kayaked with the manatees. She loved to garden and plant native plants that would attract birds, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Vivian and Steve loved to attend games for the Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Badgers, and golf events. She had a wonderful life!

Vivian worked for many years as a dental hygienist and retired early to help provide childcare for her two grandchildren, Meredith and Lochlan. She was an accomplished oil painter, photographer, and print maker. She had her artwork shown at local art galleries, fine art fairs, and international art competitions such as the Florence Biennale in Florence, Italy.

Vivian was a member of the Lutheran Church and attended multiple churches over the years. Favorite memories of Vivian were her love and dedication towards her daughter Laura, grandchildren Meredith and Lochlan, and her many nieces, nephews and their children. Vivian loved to have families and kids at our house and to see everyone happy and enjoying themselves. She would always cook a huge meal to make sure everyone was full.

Remaining to cherish Vivian's memory are spouse, Steve; daughter, Laura Steele (Robert) ; grandchildren, Meredith Steele and Lochlan Steele; sisters, Karen Davies, Susan Kinnamon (Jim), Marlene Skuldt, and Lesa Midthun; nieces and nephews, Dan Anderson, Nona Hartman, Ken Midthun (Tina), Len Midthun, Ben Midthun, Greg Midthun, Hope Davies, Lesa Kardash (Keith), Mandy Rudolph (Chris), Kathy Dibble (Everett), and Kris Effie.

Preceding Vivian in death is her parents, brother Arnold Midthun, and sister Connie Tabor.

The celebration of Life will be held at the Milwaukee Lakefront this Spring. Details will be provided on this webpage at a later date.

Memorial donations in Vivian's memory may be directed to the Cedarburg Cultural Center and the Wisconsin Humane Society.