Baumann, Berthold (Ben)

Mr. Berthold (Ben) Baumann, aged 96 years, passed away on Monday, March 24, 2003, following a very short illness, at Bethammi Nursing Home. Born in 1906, in Wilhelmshaven, Friesland, Germany. In 1933 he was married to Luise Folkerts in Wilhelmshaven. He was a bookbinder by trade, and was a singer and actor in epic outdoor theater productions. Ben served in the German Armed forces during W.W.II (from 1939 to 1945).He was aided by Russian soldiers to return home after the war because of his humane treatment of Russian Prisoners of War that were under his command. After the War he supervised the devolution of German war installations for the Allied Forces. He immigrated to Canada with his family in 1952. Employed by Zellers, McKellar Hospital, and the City of Thunder Bay. His main interest was his home, family, music, reading, camping at Shebandowan Lake and regular attendance at a Fitness Club. Predeceased by his wife Luise in 1990, his daughter Adelheid (Adele) andsons-in-law Alfred McKellock and Steve Yawney, his grandson Robert Green, his great grandson Andrew Owen Lemieux, his three brothers and asister in Germany. Ben is survived by his daughter Ingeborg (Ingrid) Yawney, his son Berthold (Bert) and wife Ruth, his daughter Elke and husband Maurice Moroziuk, his son Detlef (Ted) and fiance Patti Simpson, and Son Edmundt (Ed) and wife Cynthia. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 4 great great-grandchildren, and numerous relatives in Germany. In accordance with Ben's wishes a private family funeral service washeld at Pinegrove United Church with Rev. Jann Sampson officiating. Interment following in the family plot at Mountain View Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the St. Joseph's Heritage Fund. The family will be forever grateful for the kind and competent care "Opa" received from the staff while a resident at Bethammi. We also like to express our appreciation to the staff of Superior Elder Care fortheir very successful efforts in enhancing Ben's quality of life.On-line Condolences atjenkensfh@arbormemorial.com