Carol Baumgarden

Beloved mother, sister and grandmother, Carol Baumgarden, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026 at the age of 86 at Cox Medical Center in Branson.

Born, Carol Lee Carlson on March 17, 1939 to J.W. "Bill" & Lajuan Carlson, Carol spent her young life growing up in Boulder, CO. She had a great interest in and began studying nursing before becoming a mom after which she devoted her time to raising her children. While being a great mom to her own children she was often a mother figure in her children’s friends’ lives as well.

In 1972, Carol married George Baumgarden. Carol was an amazing wife and partner to George. She worked in realty as George pursued a career in construction. She also worked at her children's school as a secretary before moving from Denver to Osceola, MO. As Branson was booming, she and George moved to Branson where George worked in hotel construction. Carol worked at Branson hotels preparing continental breakfasts, bringing warmth and hospitality to her work and it was a job that she loved. She and George then opened and operated Branson Steel until their retirement. 

Carol was a woman of deep faith and thankful for the spiritual relationship with Christ she was able to witness in her family. In the last few years, she was able to attend and be a part of the fellowship at Closer Walk Church in Ridgedale.

After retiring, Carol enjoyed RV camping with George. Her idea of relaxation was a good book and a comfortable RV to read it in. She was also a huge Denver Broncos fan. She will be remembered for being a caring and thoughtful woman who invested in the lives of others.

Carol is survived by her children, Barbara & husband Alan Greenup of Wichita, KS, Michael Fransen & wife Shelly of Blue Eye, MO and Steve Fransen and wife Candy of Atlanta, GA; her brother, Rod Carlson & wife Wanda of Monument, CO; and her step-daughter, Loretta Patton of Kansas City, MO. Carol was very proud of her grandchildren, who they had become as adults and she loved celebrating and doting on their accomplishments. She leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will miss her deeply.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, J.W. "Bill" & Lajuan Carlson; her husband, George Baumgarden; her son, David Fransen; her brother, Lonnie Carlson; and step-son, Byron Baumgarden.

A celebration of Carol’s life will be held in Colorado at a later date.

In her memory, memorials are requested to: Closer Walk Church, Ridgedale, MO.

Cremation arrangements are in the care of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory, Branson.

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