Carla M. Baier

Carla Marie Baier (nee Haines) passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025, surrounded by her family. Carla was devoted to faith, family, and music. Faith was her strength, children her heart, and music her joy. Carla was born in Oshkosh Wisconsin on July 18, 1929, the daughter of Dr. Marcellus C. Haines and Mrs. Viola D. Haines. Carla began singing and performing at a very young age, eventually attending the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in voice and completed her Master’s Degree Recital in 1952. The scores for the operas in which she performed were kept next to her favorite chair until her death. While studying at the Aspen Music Festival and School during the summer of 1951, Carla met her future husband Curt J. Baier at the swimming pool of the Hotel Jermone. They married in 1953, had 4 children, and eventually settled in Appleton WI. While raising her own family, Carla was devoted to volunteering to help other children. She aided physically challenged students attending Highlands Elementary School with their swimming pool therapy. She was a Brownie leader and given her love of music, her troop was proficient in Folk Songs- some sung as rounds, and others accompanied by kazoos and choreographed movement. For decades Carla also taught religious education at St. Pius X to Catholic children attending public schools. Carla was a foodie at heart and belonged to a gourmet cooking club while also preparing surprisingly healthy meals for her family given the era. She awakened early each morning to prepare 3 course meals to pack in their brown paper lunch bags; sadly, her children would have preferred an occasional bag of chips. When her children had families of their own, Carla returned to music and at age 55 became the oldest member of Lawrence University’s Downer Choir and continued to sing with the Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church choir until the age of age 88.

Carla was preceded in death by her husband, Curt; and is survived by their four children, Linda Baier (Madison WI), Mark Baier (Cindy; Lakeville MN), Claudia Baier (Tom Jackson; Western Springs IL), and Leslie Baier (Bo Bogardus; Phoenix AZ). Carla is also survived by her seven grandchildren, Matt Manwell, Marissa Manwell, Lauren Szecsey (Aron), Jordin Frasch (Alex Talishinsky), Allie Baier (Alex Culp), Haylee Baier, and Aleksa Jackson; as well as 2 great grandchildren, Isabelle and Celine Szecsey.

A funeral mass will be held at St Joseph’s Parish, 410 W. Lawrence St, Appleton, WI 54911 at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday September 6, 2025. Visitation will be prior to the mass from 9:00-10:30 A.M. In lieu of flowers, donations can made to the Smile Train (Carla’s favorite charity) or another charity of your choice.