Joseph Patrick Baumchen

Joe Baumchen, a lifelong Emmett, KS resident, passed away Sunday, March 19^th, at Redbud Plaza Assisted Living, Onaga, KS.

Joe was born March 17, 1924, son of William J. and Clara Steinmitz Baumchen. He grew up in the Maple Hill/ St. Marys area, graduating from St. Marys High School in 1942. Joe began farming with his dad, purchasing the family farm north of Emmett in 1951.

Joe first saw Roberta DeVader at Holy Cross church in Emmett, noticing the “pretty girl who sat in the front row” with her family. They later met at a dance at the St. Marys’ Armory. They were married February 27, 1954. They began their married life in Emmett, buying their farm north of Emmett in 1957. Joe had a diversified farming operation raising first dairy cattle, then beef cattle, hogs and crops. His son Bill joined him in his farming operation. Joe continued as an active contributor to the Baumchen farming operation consulting with Bill until his final days.

Joe was active in community service, including the Emmett School Board, Emmett Lions Club, Pottawatomie Extension Board, and Holy Cross Church Board. He was very proud of the fact that he was a 3^rd Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus for 80 years.

His greatest civic duty that he was most proud of was being a founding member of the Cross Creek Watershed Board from the 1960s until he was 98. This included the construction of 33 dams on cross creek which helped to prevent flooding on cropland and the community of Rossville. This endeavor dramatically changed farming operations throughout the Cross Creek valley. He served as president for many years.

Joe and Roberta loved watching sports, for over 40 years they were fixtures at Emmett, and St. Marys sporting events. Joe even watched the St. Marys State football championship this past fall, via the internet, and was very excited when they won!

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Marys Community Food Pantry or the St. Marys High School Activity Fund and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, Kansas 66536.  To leave online condolences go to www.piperfuneralhome.com.