Bruce L. Baumann

Bruce L. Baumann

Within the loving arms of his family, Bruce L. Baumann was born into eternity on December 28, 2010, at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby, North Dakota.

Bruce was born March 20, 1938, in Westhope, North Dakota, the son of Francis W. W. “Frank” and Ethel (Pearson) Baumann. He was raised in the home of his parents in Westhope and Sherwood and graduated from Sherwood High School in 1956.He completed his education, attending the University of North Dakota where he was a member of the Lamda Chi Alpha Fraternity and graduated from Minot State College in 1961, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.

After graduation, Bruce began a career in teaching at Goodrich, North Dakota.On June 26, 1965, he was united in marriage to Myrna Geritz at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Lakota, North Dakota.In 1966, the couple moved to Rugby, North Dakota, where he began teaching science and business and, later, Business Ed and Computer Lab at Rugby High School.His specialty and favorite subject to teach was accounting.He made learning fun and touched the lives of his students through his devotion to his profession.Over the years he was gratified to know that many of his former students would credit him for their success in the field of accounting.During his time at RHS, he and Myrna were blessed with three sons.Bruce also coached the Boys Golf Team for a number of years and retired from teaching in 1998, after thirty-two years at RHS.

Bruce served fifteen years in the North Dakota National Guard, finishing his service as Sergeant First Class of Company C [-] 164th Engineer Battalion in Rugby.He was a member of the Clarence Larson American Legion Post #23, the Rugby Education Association, and the North Dakota Education Association.A devoted member of the Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby, he served as Trustee and Lector, was a member of the 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Council #4160 and served as Faithful Navigator of the John F. Kennedy Assembly of the 4th Degree.Bruce always felt most privileged to distribute Holy Communion as a Eucharistic lay minister.

He enjoyed the popular entertainment of his time.As a child growing up in Sherwood he went to movies weekly.He loved music and knew dozens of songs by heart.He was well-read, especially in literature, and he enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and, most recently, around the world.Although not a farmer by profession, two farms were an integral part of his life, the Pearson Farm in Bottineau County and the Wamduska Farm in Nelson County.He had a deep love of the outdoors and shared his passion for hunting and fishing with his family and friends.For decades he made yearly trips, fishing throughout North Dakota and on Lake Kississing, Manitoba, grouse hunting in the White Earth basin near Tioga, pheasant hunting throughout southwestern North Dakota, waterfowl hunting around the Rugby area and at the Wamduska farm, and deer hunting at the farm.In recent years his fishing improved with the rising waters of Stump Lake.He leaves his love of the outdoors as a legacy to his children.

Bruce was a life-affirming, positive-minded man, deeply spiritual, eternally optimistic, genuinely kind, and of endless good humor.He had unconditional love for the human condition and delighted in the dawn of each new day.His love for all seasons leaves those who knew and loved him a pillar of strength in his memory.

Those who were privileged to share in his life are his wife of 45 years, Myrna; three sons, Brian (Tana) and their children, Laura & David of Bloomington, IN, Craig (Lotie) and their children, Quin, Peter, Mary & Joe of Maple Grove, MN, and Eric of Minot; a sister, Vicki (Kerry) Wanke; stepmother, Bernadine (Swalstad) Baumann; half-brother, Francis “Frank”Jr. (Joyce) Baumann; stepbrothers and stepsisters, Cheryl Bohlman, Dave Swalstad, Sue Swalstad, Kathy Alford, Mary Kellen, Debra Morris, and Clayton (DeEtte) Swalstad; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents; and a stepsister, Kristin Holwerda.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, Jan. 3, 2011, at Little Flower Catholic Church, Rugby, with spring burial in the church cemetery.

Fr. Tom Graner was Celebrant. Music was provided by the Little Flower Church Choir and Glenda Mack, organist.

Military honors were accorded by The Clarence Larson American Legion Post #23 Honor and Color Guard and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Detail.

Honor Guard was The John F. Kennedy #0786 Assembly of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus – Rugby.

Casketbearers wereJohn Heilman, Richard Bickler, Pete Murtaugh, Wayne Schilke, Robert Stenson, and Quentin Christman.

Arrangements by Anderson Funeral Home, Rugby.