Otto Vernon (OV or Vern) Baumann was born April 16th, 1920, to Otto Ralph and Mary (Brecht) Baumann on their homestead near Dodge, North Dakota. He attended a rural school through eighth grade whereby, due to his perseverance and strong desire to continue his education, he decided to leave the homestead.

Vern served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the South Pacific as a medic and this, we believe, was the inspiration he needed in pursuit of becoming a physician. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, he completed his undergraduate and taught mathematics and history until he was accepted into medical school at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine.

After completing his residency at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, Washington, the family (wife Elaine and son Tim) moved to 924 Beachview Blvd., Clarkston, Washington, and he practiced as a general surgeon at Tri-State Memorial Hospital in Lewiston, Idaho. During, his stay in Clarkston, son Keith was born in September 1956 and daughter Heidi in February 1958.

Dr. Baumann’s career as a general practitioner and surgeon was busy with an active practice across from the hospital. During his years of practice, he was nominated and elected as president of the medical and dental staff and elected president at Trinity Lutheran Church where the family attended regularly.

Vern spent his life being fully motivated in his career, relentless to achieve new heights and most certainly fearless in whatever he did. In his “time off” he enjoyed all things outdoors. Vern spent time with the family at a lake house in Coeur d’Alene Idaho, ranching in Ritzville, Washington, snowmobiling in the winter, fishing and hunting with family and friends, as well as piloting several different types of aircraft.

At the age of 96 Vern passed from this life of natural causes on January 22, 2017, in Renton, Washington. Vern was preceded in death by his daughter Tammy Robin, who passed away due to prematurity, and wife Elaine in 1997.

Vern is survived by his two sons Timothy Lee Baumann (wife Kristi) and Keith Dean Baumann, and daughter Heidi Cherie Saunders (husband Tom); his grandchildren Tiffany Tamara Reynolds (husband Corey), Nathaniel George Saunders, Taryn Malyn Baumann, Trevor Lee Baumann and Tessa Sienna-Marie Baumann. Vern’s first great-granddaughter is due in February, completing a true circle of life.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church (485 West Locust, Hermiston, Oregon 97838) on Saturday, March 4th at 11:00 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Swedish Medical Foundation, 747 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122. For information email foundation@swedish.org.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Elena Suciu and her staff at Honeydew Home Care. Their loving care was greatly appreciated. We offer special recognition to Swedish physicians, nursing, hospital staff and hospice care.

Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon, is in care of local arrangements.