Dr. Wolfgang Josef Baumann of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Nov. 21, 2015, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. He was born on May 26, 1936, in Crailsheim, in the Baden-Württemburg region of Germany.

Wolfgang immigrated to the United States in 1963 to begin what would become a long and distinguished scientific career lasting over 30 years at the Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota in Austin. He was Professor of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry at the Hormel Institute and became Emeritus Professor in 1998. He established nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy as a technique for the study of membrane structure and dynamics at the Hormel Institute and was editor of the scientific journal Lipids from 1985-94, one of the foremost journals in the field of lipid biochemistry. Wolfgang most enjoyed spending time in his large garden with family and close friends. As a younger man he was an avid downhill skier, sailor and mountaineer, and throughout his life he continued to enjoy spending time with nature and visiting the scenic national parks of the western US.

He is survived by his daughter Dr. Nikola A. Baumann, Rochester, Minnesota; his son Dr. Christoph G. Baumann (Karin), York, United Kingdom; their mother Ms. Linda A. Baumann, Austin, Minnesota; his long-time friend Dr. Barbara Malewicz, Austin, Minnesota, and three grandchildren: Maxim, Isabella and Fleur, York, United Kingdom. In addition, Wolfgang is survived by three siblings: Elisabet, Christine and Winfried; and five nephews all of Germany.

He was preceded in death by his parents Antonie and Walter Baumann, Crailsheim, Germany.

A memorial mass will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015, at St. Edward Catholic Church, 2000 West Oakland Avenue, Austin, MN 55912, with Father John Traufler officiating. Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.