Russ Baumann

He was born August 30, 1921 in Harvard, Illinois to Arthur and Laura (Kolls) Baumann. Russ grew up in Marengo and was a stand-out athlete in high school; he went on to play football at Northern Illinois University for four years. Before he finished college WWII started and Russ enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in the Pacific for three years before returning to Northern to finish his degree. Later, he went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Education from the University of Wyoming in Cheyenne.

On June 10, 1950 he married Norma Jeanne Dolphin in Dubuque, Iowa. They made a wonderful life together and were married for 60 years when she passed away in 2010.

Russ taught Industrial Arts in District 155 for 37 years, where he also coached football, track, and basketball at various times. He was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. He was a great storyteller, enjoyed history, and could tell you anything about the history of his home, McHenry County. Although he lived most of his life in Illinois, he had a special place in his heart for the mountains.

In earlier years, Russ was an avid fisherman, enjoyed time in his garden, and bowled in a league with fellow teachers. He loved his family and cherished time spent with them. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his daughters, Jan (Dean) Peters of Batavia, Jo (Doug) Bailey of Deerfield, Katie (Bob) McCarten of Silt, CO, his sons, John (Laura) of Evanston and TJ (Jackie) of Crystal Lake; nine grandchildren; and his sister, Ethel Anthony of Marengo.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30am on Monday, April 18 at Querhammer & Flagg Funeral Home, 500 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake.

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to JourneyCare Hospice, 405 Lake Zurich Rd., Barrington, IL 60010.

For information call the funeral home at 815-459-1760. Online condolences may be made at www.querhammerandflagg.com.