Dieter Baumann, 91 of Corfu, NY passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Crossroads House. He was born on January 16, 1932 in Essen, Germany. He was the older of two children to the late Mattias Hermann Baumann and Cecelie Radtke. Dieter is predeceased by his beloved wife, Helga E. Baumann and son, Wolfgang KH Fuchs.
Dieter was born during the Great Depression and grew up in the devastation of World War II. His beloved Opa taught him so much about life and would often share what he learned to his children and grandchildren. His father died when he was eight-years-old leaving him the “man of the house”. On March 5, 1943 Dieter’s family suffered the devastation of their home being bombed during a night air raid. They were buried in the basement for many hours. Dieter, at the age of 11 used a sledgehammer to help them escape the wreckage and navigate through the fiery neighborhood to a public shelter.
After the war, Dieter decided to leave Germany and immigrated to Canada where he lived until he and Helga, Birgitt and Wolfgang immigrated to New York City. He retired from New York Telephone in 1992, and moved to Batavia, NY in 1994.
Dieter spent his entire life helping others; along with Helga they raised their children to do the same. For 15 years, he was an assistant Boy Scout leader for Wolfgang’s troop. He enjoyed photography and developed and processed all of his photos. Dieter never said no to assist anyone needing a helping hand. He spent many years as the Volunteer Director of Building and Grounds for Crossroads House. He put so much of his blood sweat and tears into providing necessary building improvements for the house. He was affectionately known as “Dr. Dieter”. Dieter always helped his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in any way needed; he was a taxi driver, a builder of things, a teacher and all around supporter of them. His family and friends always knew that he had so many stories to share about his extraordinary life.
Dieter is survived by his sister Karin Demme of Niederbiel, Germany, daughters Birgitt (Gary) Hammond of Corfu, NY, Linda (Richard) Conroy of Batavia, NY, five grandchildren Jennifer (Jeff) Miller, Jason (Jennifer Beedham) Hammond, Tara (John) Kaczorowski, Michelle (Chris) Geoghegan, and Juliana Fuchs; four great-grandchildren Madison, Wolfie, Lily and Ava and nieces and nephews both in the US and Germany.
Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday January 13, 2024 from 12pm – 3 pm; at 3 pm a celebration of his life will be at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. Mr. Baumann will be entombed at St. Joseph’s Mausoleum in Batavia.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House www.crossroadshousehouse.com PO box 403 Batavia, NY 14021. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign a message of condolence please visitww.gilmartinfuneralhome.com Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 west Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.
