Herman William “Bill” Baum

Retired Alhambra High School teacher Herman William “Bill” Baum died in Concord, CA on April 29, 2015, at the age of 96 years and nine months. He was the treasured husband of the late Elaine Taylor Baum for over 61 years and devoted father of Nancy, Cassie, Kent, David and their spouses. Bill was also a loving grandfather of eight, great grandfather of three and uncle of seven.

Prior to teaching science and driver’s education in Martinez for 25 years, Bill taught high school in Oregon and grades one through 12, in a one-room school house in his native, rural South Dakota. He cut short his first teaching assignment to serve as a U.S. Navy medic during World War II, before returning to teaching. He earned his teaching credential from South Dakota State Teachers College in Aberdeen and his Master’s in Education from University of Oregon. Bill won numerous grants from the National Science Foundation for summer studies.

In addition to being a dedicated educator, Bill developed many avocations. His Christian faith and church were priorities; and he served his Lord and fellow worshippers as a tenor soloist and choir member for decades. Bill also used his voice to entertain, including lead roles in community musical theater, friends’ life celebrations, and local barbershop quartets and choruses. Other passions included vegetable gardening, games, travel adventures and advocating for his children’s and grandchildren’s music, art, sports, academic and career pursuits.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, May 23, at 11:00, at Faith Lutheran Church in Pleasant Hill, CA. In lieu of flowers, Bill’s family welcomes charitable contributions in his memory to Kaiser Martinez Hospice, Food Bank of Contra Costa County, Lutheran World Relief, or World Vision.