Josef Baumann

Josef Baumann, 86, of Benton Harbor passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2005 at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday at St. Matthew?s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Colfax & Kline Aves., Benton Harbor. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph. Friends may call from 5-8 P.M. Thursday at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to the D.A.N.K. Benton Harbor Educational Fund or St. Matthew?s Lutheran Church. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Mr. Baumann was born May 23, 1918 in Homberg, Niederrhein, Germany to Johan & Elisabeth (Shumacher) Baumann. He worked as an apprentice tool & die maker in the coal mines of Germany. Josef served in the German Army in communications during WWII, serving for two years in Western Europe, and for three years on the Russian Front. On November 24, 1945 he married the former Else Bohnke in Germany. The Baumann family moved to the United States in 1952, spending one year in Nevada before moving to Benton Harbor in 1953. He became a US Citizen in 1957. Josef was employed as a welder at Benton Harbor Engineering from which he retired in 1980 after 25 years. He was a member of St. Matthew?s Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was the founder of the local D.A.N.K, chapter, where he served as president from 1964-1978. Josef also held various outher local and regional D.A.N.K. positions. He also served as president of St. Joseph Kickers Club for one year. In 1994 the President of the Federal Republic of Germany presented Josef Baumann with the Meritorious Service Award for his special service in the promotion of the German language and culture. He was very proud of his German Heritage. Mr. Baumann is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years ElseBaumann; two sons-Gary (Denise) Baumann of Vicksburg, MI, Josef (Kathy) Baumann of Buchanan; two daughters-Barbara (Gary) Callendar of Brighton, MI, Elise (Rickey) Smith of Fayetteville, NC; ten grandchildren-Amy & Dave, Rory & Jenni, William, Jeremy, Michelle, Bethanie, Jessica, Robert, Josef, Jacob; six great-grandchildren; and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and six brothers & sisters in Germany.