Arthur ‘Art’ Duane Baumann, 83

Arthur “Art” Duane Baumann passed on July 30, 2020, at the age of 83, after a long battle with Parkinson’s.

Art was a quiet observer of people, with a quick wit. He was easygoing and could make you laugh with his wry observations.

Art was born in Conrad, Montana, on Nov. 20, 1936, to John and Norma Baumann and raised as the youngest of 10 children, three who passed at birth. He grew up farming and enjoyed riding a horse to school. As a teenager he worked at a gas station during the summers. He went on to attend Northern College in Havre where he studied teaching and auto mechanics. Shortly after he graduated, he met his sweetheart, Genevieve Sirucek, who was also attending college at Havre. When she graduated, they got married in Bigfork on June 23, 1962.

They both taught school in Fairfield, which ended up becoming a turning point in their lives. A student of Art’s sent the Latter-day Saints missionaries to their door, which ended with them joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The gospel was a leading influence in their lives.

Looking for adventure, they moved to Alaska where both Roselle and Debbie were born. They taught school while there and during summers worked on a fishing boat and in the canneries. Wanting to own their own farm, they eventually moved to Minnesota where Duane was born. They had a small dairy herd while there. Montana beckoned them home and they moved back to Great Falls where Art was offered a teaching job at an automotive college. Benjamin “Benj” was born there, being the youngest of their children. Feeling prompted to take a teaching job at Flathead High School, they later moved to Kalispell.

During his 17 years teaching auto mechanics and drafting, he was able to take students to “Trouble Shooting” competitions, twice going to nationals. In 1992 he won Valvoline Montana Automotive Teacher of the Year. He was active in church and community, helping coach Little League while the boys participated, volunteering as a Boy Scout and Cub Scout leader over the years, and serving as clerk at church on ward and stake levels.

He retired the same year his youngest son graduated from high school. The next several years he took on various jobs helping supplement retirement. They considered themselves fortunate when the opportunity came and they were able to serve the Lord for two years in the Mississippi, Jackson Mission. In their later years they were able to enjoy their time with their children and grandchildren. He had a passion for genealogy that he shares with his older daughter Roselle. Together they have mapped a family tree tying together many generations.

Arthur was humble while filling a life full of service. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, church leader and community member. He was loved by family and friends alike. He touched the lives of many and was a quiet anchor for those that were close to him.

Arthur was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Genevieve Sirucek Baumann; his parents John and Norma Baumann; and his siblings James, Vern, Verna, Mavis, Burke, John “Jack”, James “Jim”, Elizabeth “Bettie” and Bruce.

He is survived by his children, Roselle and Mike Harney, Debbie and Andy McKane, Duane and Barbi Baumann, and Benj and Mindy Baumann. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild on the way.

A viewing will be held on Saturday morning, Aug. 8, from 9 a.m. at Darlington Cremation and Burial Service’s Funeral Home at 3408 U.S. Hwy. 2 East, Kalispell. Graveside services and interment will follow at 10 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery. Lawn chairs are recommended as seating is not available at the graveside.

Darlington Cremation and Burial Service is caring for Art and his family.