Lester F. Baumann

Les Baumann

Lester F. Baumann passed away on Saturday September 26, 2020 at the age of 93, one day after suffering a stroke, in Edmonds, WA.

He was born on November 12, 1926 in Hamilton, Ohio to Frank and Carrie (née Stevens) Baumann.  He was raised on the family farm in Darrtown, Ohio.  He had an older brother, Carl Jacob, who died at the age of 5, nine months to the day before Les was born.  So until the age of 6, it was his mom, dad, and his other older brother, Lawrence William. His mom had heart issues and after she passed in 1933 it left just the 3 “men”.  Les would often say that the chickens and cows where his friends. He graduated from Stewart High in Oxford, Ohio – 1946. It was a tough time for them, during the great depression. He later obtained his private pilot’s license and bought himself a plane that he enjoyed flying. The farm had a spot he could take off from and land. He was also known to be on the mischievous side – case in point one time a few friends of his decided to make their own gun, unfortunately there was a mishap that resulted in a bit of an explosion, scaring the youngest who thought the others had met their end – ran home to get his mom, but all survived. He had a strong bond with his brother, Lawrence, and they would always share a great laugh.

He was drafted into the US Army in the 1947-he served 5 days short of a year, this fact would come into play later. He contracted Rheumatic Fever and received a medical discharge that should have been the end of his military career.  However; the action between North and South Korea heated up and they called up more reserves, ones that had served less than a year, for him that was 5 days. During this deployment he was under gun fire and was shot by the enemy.  He was awarded the Purple Heart.

He never liked the cold, so he ventured off to Florida, he enjoyed the heat, but not the state. Later he left again and ventured out to California – which he considered “his home” for over 55 years.  He loved the heat and the area.  That is where he met and married Edith “Marlene” (née Holte) – adopting her two older children, Richard and Gaeleen; then in 1960 added a daughter to the family, Terri Ann.

He enjoyed family life, his route with 7up Bottling Co, his roses, and later in life he picked up wood crafting – selling his wares and meeting more people. He had a deep love of History and Geography. He was a people person, always loved to talk and tell his stories.  After his wife passed he and his son moved up to Washington where he lived for 6 years close to his daughter Terri.  He continued with pen pals and phone pals while in Washington, again….he loved to talk/communicate.

One of the highlights for him this year was meeting his great-granddaughter Zoe Oropeza who was born May 27th.  They connected – when she cried he deemed her his attorney.  The family was fortunate to get the opportunity to take a four generation family picture.

He is survived by his children: Richard Baumann; daughters Gay (Rick) Wacht and Terri Klippenstein. Grandchildren: Tom Wacht; Jenni (Jeremiah) Oropeza and Justin Klippenstein. And, 5 great-grandchildren. His nieces: Janet Jewel; Karen (Jim) Meador; Pam (Kenny) Russell and his nephew, Dale (Debbi) Baumann; also many grand and great-grand nephews and nieces.

Preceding him in death: his mother Carrie (nee Stephan) and father Frank Baumann; his brother Carl Baumann, brother and sister-in-law Lawrence and Marcella Baumann; his wife Marlene (nee Holte) Baumann; his Son-in-law Brent Klippenstein.

There will be a witnessing cremation service on Friday October 2.  And there will be a Military Honors Ceremony on Tuesday October 6th at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA.  If anyone is interested in attending please contact the family.