John Baumann

John William Baumann, 83 of Grand Marais, MN, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 21st, 2016 at the Grand Marais Care Center.

He was born December 26th, 1932 to Floyd and Isabelle Edna (Mourer) Baumann in St. Paul Park, MN.

He had to grow up fast after losing his father at age 5.  John entered the U.S. Army at age 16 with a baptismal certificate that was in error. He served in Whittier, Alaska until he was 20 years old and was honorably discharged to return home.

He married Irene Wilson on June 23rd, 1956 in Richfield, MN.

John worked for the Holiday Stationstores for 25 years, retiring as a district manager. John and Irene raised four sons in Duluth, MN. The family was very active in the Boy Scouts of America; John served as Scoutmaster of Troop 9, in addition to other leadership roles. John was most proud when all four of his sons became Eagle Scouts; this commitment to Scouting was passed on to the next generation. There are now 9 Eagle Scouts in the family.

In 1976, he and Irene purchased Golden Eagle Lodge on the Gunflint Trail, a small seasonal resort. The family moved year round to the Golden Eagle Lodge in 1980. John worked as the manager of the Grand Marais Municipal Liquor store until his retirement in 1994. He also sold the resort to his partner (his son Daniel, and daughter-in-law Teresa), as he retired.

John enjoyed the wilderness and all the beauty in nature and loved sharing it with his family. He always put his family first above all else through his tireless dedication and persevering work ethic.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his baby brother, James. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Irene; four sons, Michael (Patty), Patrick (Sandra), Daniel (Teresa), and Kelly (Becky); brother Phil (Marolyn); half-sisters Penny and Sue; and 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of John’s life on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 11:00 am at St. John’s Catholic Church in Grand Marais.