Reverend John

Karl Baumann

Reverend John Karl Baumann, 88, of Oconomowoc, formerly of Lake Mills, entered his heavenly home on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at AngelsGrace Hospice Care.

John Karl Baumann was born on September 29, 1935, at home in West Allis, Wisconsin.  He was the fourth son born to Erwin and Lydia (nee Steinke) Baumann.  His father, Erwin, delivered him, as he arrived before the doctor did!

John grew up in West Allis with his older brothers:  James, David, and Paul.  He attended Apostle Presbyterian Church and became a member there while he was in Junior High School.  In 1953, he graduated from West Allis Central High School.

John went on to school at Monmouth College, Monmouth, Illinois, where he majored in religious studies.  He graduated from Monmouth in 1957, with the intent of going on to seminary.

After college, John spent a year working in Ethiopia as a volunteer in mission.  He went to work at the mission station in Pokwo with missionary and minister Don McClure.  He went with three other young men, including his cousin, Tom Zerbel.  They worked with the Anuak people of Ethiopia.  They participated in frontier evangelism, agricultural and building projects, education, and did whatever they could to help.

Upon his return from the mission field, John started seminary at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.  He married Beverly Carlson, whom he had met at Monmouth College, on August 22, 1959.  He graduated from seminary in May of 1961.  On July 7, 1961, John was ordained at his home church, Apostle Presbyterian Church, in West Allis, Wisconsin.  He was called to serve at Faith Presbyterian Church in Crivitz, Wisconsin, in 1961.

While pastor at Faith Presbyterian Church, John led Bible studies, organized youth programs, and led worship both indoors and outdoors.  He preached, sang in the choir, and led the congregation.  During this time, John and Beverly adopted their two children.  First, Stephen in the winter of 1965, and then Elizabeth in the fall of 1966.

In 1969, John was called to First Presbyterian Church in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  Here he served as associate pastor.  His focus was on youth work and Christian education.  He introduced weekly youth group programs, led mission work trips with the youth, and organized Sunday school programming.  He also continued to preach and sing in the choir.

John was called to Kettle Moraine United Presbyterian Church in Stone Bank, Wisconsin, in 1975. Here, John was a full-service pastor.  He implemented youth programs, provided pastoral care and counseling, taught adult Sunday school and Bible classes, sang in the choir, and preached.

In 2000, John retired from the ministry, and moved to Lake Mills, Wisconsin, with his wife Beverly.  Here he continued to minister to others by becoming the Visitation Pastor for the Lake Mills Moravian Church, until 2022.  (His paternal grandfather helped build this church, and his father attended this church growing up.)

Throughout his pastoral career, John was active in Presbytery.  He served at various times as recording clerk, and sat on a variety of committees, including missions, Christian education, stewardship, and congregational development.  He also served several nursing homes as a visitation pastor.

Dedicated to mission work, John regularly attended the New Wilmington Missionary Conference in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania.  He did short term mission projects and work trips, often with church youth groups involved.  He also returned to Ethiopia for a short term mission project in 1995.  John traveled to Alaska to assist with mission work there at Kako multiple times.

Active his entire life, John had many hobbies.  He played and enjoyed many sports, including swimming, skiing, fishing, hiking, and many outdoor pursuits.  He participated and medaled in the Senior Olympics multiple times in swimming.  He also enjoyed working with wood.  He made and refurbished furniture, caned chairs, and fixed things.  He was always busy!

John and Beverly lived in their home in Lake Mills until early 2023, when they moved into assisted living at Wilkinson Woods, in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.

John is survived by his wife of 64 years, Beverly (nee Carlson) Baumann; his son, Stephen Baumann, daughter-in-law, Peggy, and grandson, Jack; his daughter, Elizabeth (nee Baumann) Riggs, son-in-law, David, and granddaughter, Rebecca Riggs (Josh McEwen); his brother, Paul Baumann; some cousins, and many nieces and nephews.

John was a humble man of God.  He served well.  May he rest in peace and glory.

Services will be held at Kettle Moraine United Presbyterian Church in Stone Bank, Wiscsonsin, on Saturday, January 20, 2024.  (Kettle Moraine United Presbyterian Church is located at N66 W32690 Highway K, Hartland, Wisconsin, 53029.)  Visitation is from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with a funeral service at 11 AM.  (The service may be available to stream at kmupc.com.)  Luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall at the church. Prior to the interment on January 22, 2024 a visitation will be held from 11:45 AM to 12:45 PM at Claussen Funeral Home in Lake Mills. Interment and a committal service will be held on Monday, January 22, 2024 at 1:00 PM, in Rock Lake Cemetery in Lake Mills, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Presbyterian Mission (Presbyterian Church USA) at presbyterianmisson.org.

www.claussenfuneralhome.com