IN MEMORIAM: Herbert E. Baumann, 90;
Korea Veteran, Lineman Retired To County
LAURENS – Herbert E. Baumann, 90, of Laurens, a Korean War veteran and utility lineman who retired to Otsego County from New Jersey, passed away after a brief illness early Sunday morning, December 22, 2019, surrounded by love and a loving family at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.
Born Sept. 19, 1929, in Garfield, N.J., he was a son of Herbert Paul and Elsie (Kinscher) Baumann. He first attended schools in Paramus and later Paterson, N.J.. He left high school and worked for a time as a machinist for John Johnston in Paramus.
On May 22, 1951, he joined the military, and served with the Army 12th Infantry in Germany during the Korean War. Corporal Baumann was Honorably Discharged from the military on May 7, 1953, and returned home to New Jersey.
On April 24, 1954, he married Eleanor Diani in a ceremony at Most Holy Name Roman Catholic Church in Garfield.
In March 1956, Herbert was hired by Public Service Electric & Gas Company (PSE&G) in Newark, N.J., and was employed as an electrical lineman, working out of a substation in Hackensack. During this time he became a member of the 25-year club, was a recipient of a suggestion award, and received the “turtle club” safety award in July of 1971 for having been hit on the head on the job and his life saved by his hard hat. He retired in March 1991.
In 1982, Herbert and Eleanor began coming to Hartwick and eventually lived on Lipton Road. They later moved to South Carolina, but moved back to New York State in November 2010 and settled in Laurens.
He was a member-at-large of the American Legion and the Laurens Senior Citizen Group.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Eleanor Baumann of Laurens; a daughter, Judy Gruchacz of Hartwick; a son, Herbert P. Baumann and wife, Lesia, of Knob Noster, Missouri; four grandchildren, Jacquelyn Gruchacz, and Jesse, Jill E. and Brittany Baumann; and a brother, Walter W. Baumann and wife, Ellen (“Penny”) of Laurens.
He was predeceased by a brother, Richard Baumann.
Arrangements are pending and will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
Dear Judy and family,
Your dad was quite an accomplished man living an interesting life. We so enjoyed visiting with him in our kitchen Easter mornings… Though your hearts are broken, may you know we hold you in our prayers and hope sweet memories comfort your hearts….Our best to your mom who I’m sure is lost without him….
Debbie and Grant Ward