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Richard Lee Baack

1936 - 2012

April 23, 1936 - December 14, 2012

Richard L. Baack, 76, a native and lifelong farmer of rural Klemme, died December 14, 2012 at Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City. Services were held December 18 at Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ, Klemme.

Richard Lee, the son of Herman Ernest Frederick and Lillie Louise (Blumer) Baack, was born April 23, 1936 on his parents’ farm in rural Klemme, the same farm he lived on and farmed his entire life. He graduated from Klemme High School in 1954. Richard served his country from 1959 to 1960 in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Goose Bay, Canada in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Richard was united in marriage to Jean Anne Brogan on January 1, 1961 at the Thornton United Methodist Church. Their union was blessed with three children: Clarissa Louise, Michelle Ann and Vincent Lee. They couple farmed and raised their family near Klemme. In 2010 the farm was honored as a Century Farm by the Iowa Department of Agriculture.

Richard was a farmer in every aspect of his life. He loved to work the land and care for his livestock. He had a passion for antique farm machinery, and particularly enjoyed his participation in various area tractor rides. Rich was an avid conservationist and steward of the land. He developed and maintained a wetland and upland wildlife complex near Thornton where he planted hundreds of trees, nesting structures, and hosted several trumpeter swan releases. He was also very active in the Izaak Walton League and other conservation organizations.

He cherished his children and grandchildren, and they were foremost in his life. He looked forward to any opportunity to spend time with them, traveling to visit them and attending as many of their activities and sporting events as he could. He especially enjoyed taking them on fishing excursions. Richard had a lifelong affinity for music that commenced in his youth when he was a saxophone player. He and Jean greatly enjoyed dancing and loved their outings to the Surf ballroom in Clear Lake. He found great enjoyment in camping and always looked forward to his annual camping trips to the Iowa State Fair. He had a fondness for flying, military memorabilia, and attending air shows. His passion for history was shared with others through his involvement with the Hancock County Historical Society and Museum. He was a great supporter, promoter and volunteer for many years of the Hancock County Youth 4-H program, the Hancock County Junior Fair, and annual fair livestock auction.

Richard's faith was important to him as he served on the Immanuel Reformed UCC Consistory as president and deacon. His love for the community of Klemme was exemplified through his countless hours of volunteer time to KADO, Klemme Ag Days, and fireworks. He supported many other local events and organizations either financially or with his time. Rich greatly looked forward to his daily coffee outings and was always up for a good conversation. He had a keen interest in others, be it friend or a stranger.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Ethel Kropp, Dorothy Howie and Norma Mauritz; and brothers Roy and Paul Baack.

His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of his wife and life partner of nearly 52 years, Jean of Klemme; daughter Clarissa (John) Kolmer of Peoria, IL and children Zhi Yu, Neil and Jefferson; daughter Michelle Koelling of Cedar Rapids and children Johnathon and Matthew; son Vincent (Amy) Baack of North Mankato and children Michael, Leah and Daniel; and brother Robert (Ruth) Baack of Britt.


source: Belmond Independent, 18 Dec 2012

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