Baumann, John E.

John E. Baumann

John Edward Baumann died Jan. 22, 2011, six days after his 5th birthday. John died at home of complications from congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) after spending four days in the hospital and six days at home under the care of hospice.

John's contagious giggle and dimpled grin spread joy everywhere he went. He taught people how to love. Although John was non-verbal, he knew what he wanted and was known for pursing his lips and kissing when he liked something. The two words John spoke clearly were, “all done,” which he said when he wanted more and shouted when he wanted a change.

John rode the school bus to preschool at Monroe in Cedar Rapids; he was cared for by several loving respite workers, he attended Arc-sponsored events, and he was loved-up by everyone he met. John loved to listen to music at Mass. John listened intently and kissed for more anytime someone sang to him, especially his big sister, Anne.

John's favorite songs included the ABCs, Twinkle Twinkle, Bah-Bah Black Sheep, and Bumble Bee. John delighted in roughhousing and having his brother, Will, crawl on him.

John will now serve as an angel for his parents, Matt and Teresa Baumann; his 7-year-old sister, Anne; and his 1-year-old brother, Will. He also will watch over his grandparents, Rich and Donna Baumann (Carroll, Iowa) and Duane and Roberta Schlichting (Clear Lake, Iowa). John was deeply loved by aunts and uncles, Mark Baumann and Leah Shafer (Trumansburg, N.Y.), Tara Schlichting (Mason City, Iowa), Shonna and Chris Smith (Carroll), and Casey and Teresa Schlichting (Mason City). He has four cousins to watch over, Jay Baumann and Kelly Smith (Carroll) and Jack and Josie Schlichting (Mason City). He is survived by seven great-grandparents and was preceded in death by two great-grandpas.

In lieu of flowers, John's family will accept memorial gifts to support any one of three organizations that were important in John's life: The Arc of East Central Iowa, University of Iowa Children's Hospital or the CMV Research Fund, Baylor College of Medicine.

Visitation will be Tuesday at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hiawatha from 4 until 7 p.m., with a vigil service to begin at 4 p.m. Funeral Mass: 2 p.m. Wednesday at the church, with the Rev. Neil Manternach officiating. Inurnment: private. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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