William E. Baumann, 87
William Edward Baumann, age 87, of Austin, died Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester.
Bill was born March 13, 1922 in Milwaukee, Wis. to Ruben and Elsa (Williams) Baumann. He grew up in Port Washington, Wis. with his siblings: Sisters, Henrietta and Gladys; brothers, John, Ruben, Tony and Francis. Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force and attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison following his discharge. He met his future wife, Jean Tholl and they were married on Nov. 27, 1947 after graduation.
The newlyweds traveled to Austin via train where Bill started his 36 year career with the Hormel Company as a hog buyer, quickly locating to Caledonia, Minn. until 1962. The young family arrived back in Austin in time to start the new school year with seven of the eventually 10 children. Bill worked the night shift most of his years as foreman until his retirement in 1983. He shared his love of hunting, trap shooting, woodworking and card games with his sons; gardening and animals with his girls; and golf with Jean in their retirement years.
Survivors include his children, Bill Baumann, Sparks, Nev., Mike (Myrna) Baumann, Crystal Beach, Fla., Bob Baumann (Bill Sherfey), St. Paul, Minn., Mark (Jolene) Baumann, Reno, Nev., Sue (Joe) Cole, Austin, Jim (Diane) Baumann, Lynchburg, Va., Karen (Marty) Spicer, Coon Rapids, Minn., Nick (Kathy Rose) Baumann, White Bear Lake, Minn., Jeanne (Brendhan) Wagner, Austin, JoAnn (Paul) Spangler, Oshkosh, Wis.; grandchildren, William III, Waylyn, Sara, Matt, Jack, Noah, Hannah, Nicole, Grace, Luke, Nathan, Brett; great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Jake, Hossyn, Noah; siblings, Gladys Roden, Saukeville, Wis., Ruben (Doris) Baumann, Saukeville, Wis.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jean on April 14, 2001; infant son, Tommy Joseph; grandson, Cole Baumann; brothers, Francis, John and Tony; sister, Henrietta.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2009 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Paul Nelson officiating. There will be a 6:30 p.m. wake service on Friday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. and also from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.
The casket bearers will be Bill, Mike, Bob, Mark, Jim, Nick and Mike.