Herman Baumann Jr., 87, of Big Cedar Lake, died on Thursday, June 2, 2011.

Herman was born on Oct. 13, 1923, in Trucksville, Pa., to Herman Baumann Sr. and Anna (nee Wendel). His family moved to Wilkes-Barre, Pa., when he was in eighth grade.

Herman graduated from the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) High School in 1941. After high school graduation, Herman was an electrician apprentice at the Vulcan Iron Works War Plant working on electric turrets. In 1943, Herman enlisted in the Navy Air Force. During World War II he proudly served as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate Second Class USNR and was honorably discharged in 1946.

After his return from the Navy, Herman began school at Bucknell Junior College studying electrical engineering. He did further study at Penn State in Industrial Electrical Engineering.

Herman moved to New Jersey, where he finished his college work and earned a bachelor of science degree from Rutger’s University. He worked for Curtis Wright in their Propeller Division for many years. Herman was a people person and decided he wanted to try sales. He then went to work for the Elastic Stop Nut Corporation of America. He was an internal sales engineer before becoming a Regional Salesman. He loved every minute of it: traveling, solving technical problems and meeting new and interesting people. He worked for ESNA until his retirement.

Herman was a "Renaissance Man." His interests were varied and many. He and his wife, Miriam, traveled to 45 countries, visiting every continent except Antarctica. He collected tiny rocks from every place he visited. Over the years he supported many charities and was a member of the Masonic Lodge and a Shriner. He loved his Green Bay Packers and attended at least one Badger game every year.

Most of all, he adored great music, music ranging from Sousa marches to symphonies and he loved to sing. His rich, deep bass voice was heard in St. James Episcopal Church Choir for 44 years. He also sang with the Hartford Community Chorus.

Herman was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. Whenever he saw a need, he rushed in to help. He was an avid collector of his granddaughters’ art works, many are still hanging on his walls.

Herman was a demonstrative man. He told Miriam he loved her every night, and that he always appreciated everything she did for him. Herman had a generous heart and a loving soul. He also was quite the jokester and loved a good scotch.

Herman is survived by his wife of 61 years, Miriam (nee Golightly) Baumann, his son, Herman III (Kay Schwichtenberg-Baumann) Baumann of Inverness, Ill.; his daughter, Heidi (Robert Schuppel) Baumann-Schuppel of Slinger; and two grandchildren, Susan (Brian Paul) Schuppel-Paul, of Wauwatosa and Sandra Schuppel (close friend, Audie Ritschke) of Waukesha.

Herman was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Anne Bossert, Elise Smith and Helen Fisher; and his brother, Frederick Baumann.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, in St. James Episcopal Church, 148 S. 8th Ave., West Bend. The Rev. Kenny Miller will preside. Visitation will be at the church at 2 p.m. Burial, with military honors, will be in the St. James columbarium. The Phillips Funeral Home, West Bend, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the "Build A Priest Program" at St. James Episcopal Church.

The Phillip Funeral Home of West Bend is assisting the family. www.phillipfuneralhome.com.