Kenneth G. Baumann

March 7, 1933 — April 8, 2024

Wausau

Kenneth G. Baumann, age 91, of Wausau, WI passed away in the early hours of Monday, April 8th, 2024 at Rennes Health and Rehab Center in Weston, WI under the care of a wonderful hospice team.

Services will be held on Monday, April 15th at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wausau. A viewing and visitation is scheduled for 9:00 AM, and the funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM.

Ken was born on March 7th, 1933 to Rudolph and Emma (Lemke) Baumann in Wausau. He served in the United States Army from 1957-1961. On October 7th, 1961, he was united in marriage to his wife, Gay (Gille) Baumann at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Merrill. He had several occupations, including work as a long-haul truck driver, union carpenter, and painter. He took pride in his volunteer work at Good Shepherd, assisting with property maintenance.

Ken loved working on his hobby farm, particularly anything that involved working on or driving his 1947 Farmall C tractor. His greatest passion, though, was his music. Throughout his life, he played in a number of bands, including Jerry Starr, Denny Bloom and the Sidemen, and toured with 50's rockabilly legend Wanda Jackson. He also backed up several traveling artists including Lynn Anderson, Leroy Van Dyke, Charley Pride, and Tammy Wynette. Even in his retirement, “Whistling Kenny” was never without a song; he could always be heard whistling a tune, or playing guitar and singing country classics. His music was infectious and has inspired subsequent generations of Baumann musicians.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Gay; three children: Juli-Kay Baumann of Arrington, TN, Steven Baumann (Lina Bravo) of Greely, ON, and Brian (VurChelle) Baumann of Plover; four grandchildren: Kenneth (Courtney) Baumann, Maria Baumann (fiancé, Michael Diamond), Samuel Baumann, and Liam Baumann; and two sisters, Jean (Baumann) Binner and Patricia (Baumann) Rostal.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Jodeen Baumann; his parents, Rudolph and Emma Baumann; and eight siblings: Daniel, Victor, Margaret, Evelyn, Harold, Theodore, Louise, and Rudolph Jr.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to The Salvation Army of Wausau (103 S 2nd Avenue Wausau, WI 54401) or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Wausau (930 Edgewood Road Wausau, WI 54403).

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Monday, April 15, 2024

9:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

930 Edgewood Rd, Wausau, WI 54403

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Funeral Service

Monday, April 15, 2024

11:00 - 11:45 am (Central time)

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

930 Edgewood Rd, Wausau, WI 54403

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Graveside Service

Monday, April 15, 2024

1:00 - 2:00 pm (Central time)

Restlawn Memorial Park

235962 N Troy St, Wausau, WI 54403

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