Charles Jacob Baumann III, 72, of Traverse City passed away Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City, surrounded by his family.

Charlie was born on Saturday, July 29, 1944 to the late Dr. Charles J. and Lorraine Elizabeth (Wippich) Baumann, Jr. in Milwaukee, WI. Following graduation from high school he continued his education, earning his associates degree in plastics. Charlie loved his country and proudly served as a member of the U. S. Army Reserves, a post he held for 21 years before retiring. On Saturday, April 1, 1967, he married the love of his life, Cheryl Kay Dehne at a ceremony in Milwaukee, WI. His career path led him to be employed by Johnson Controls, where he worked in their battery division. He was well loved there by his colleagues, many of whom he has kept in touch with over the years. His position led he and Cheryl to live in China with the opportunity to travel to many parts of the world. At the time of his retirement, he was a Quality Assurance Engineer.

Charlie and Cheryl are members of Advent Lutheran Church in Lake Ann, where they were involved with "The Table", a program to provide a meal to the Lake Ann Community. Charlie had a wonderful sense of humor, was an extreme extrovert and always had a smile and hug for those that crossed his path. He enjoyed spending time at his hobby of working in stained glass, but his greatest joy was that of spending time with his family and his beloved granddaughters.

Charlie is survived by his wife Cheryl. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on April 1, 2017 with a family gathering. He is also survived by his sons, Kief (Julie) Baumann and Charles J. (Jake) Baumann IV beloved granddaughters Hannah and Alexandria Baumann (Kief's daughters)and his brothers and sisters: Warren (Kristin) Baumann and their children, Luke (Bethany) Sara (Alex), Dan (Elizabeth) and Jason (Britni), Dr. Craig (Laurie) and their children Cory (Jessica), Cayla (Amanda) and Annette (Mark) Evans and their children Max and Elliot; the late Dr. Barry ( Diane )Baumann and her children, Kristen (Nick) and Brad (Ellen). Also surviving is Cheryl's extended Dehne family and Charlie's extended Baumann
and Wippich families. Charlie was blessed to be the godfather of Erica Liebel, Cecelie Krier and Zane O'Malley, all who survive.

A service celebrating Charlie's life will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 20, 2017 at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with visitation on hour prior to the service. Pastor Chrysanne Timm of Advent Lutheran Church will officiate. Military rites will follow the service at Veteran's Memorial Park on the campus of The Grand Traverse Commons. The Rev. Daniel LeCouteur and The Rev. Glenn Arlt of Family of Faith Lutheran Church, Charlie's good friends from men's Bible Study, will also officiate.

The family has asked that memorial contributions in Charlie's memory be directed to The Traverse City Chapter of the DAV, 10309 Diamond Park Rd., Interlochen, MI 49643. or online at www.gtadav.us ; Advent Lutheran Church, P. O. Box 249, Lake Ann, MI 49650 or Munson Hospice House c/o Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation, 1150 Medical Campus Dr. Traverse City, MI 49684 or online at www.munsonhealthcare.org ;

Please share your favorite memories of Charlie, during a luncheon at the VFW POST on Veterans Drive following the service , as well as thoughts for his family by visiting his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

The family is being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.