November 7, 1927 — January 4, 2026

Battle Creek

Joan Bauman, 98, died on January 4, 2026, with everlasting love in her heart for her family and friends.

She was born on November 7, 1927 in Muskegon, Michigan to James and Frances (Russman) Thomas and grew up in Battle Creek. She attended St. Philip Catholic School through 9th grade and graduated from Lakeview High School.

She attended St. Camillus School of Nursing at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. Joan was employed as an RN by Leila Hospital and Visiting Nurse Service.

Joan married Paul Bauman on August 5, 1950 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, where Joan was a charter member. Paul and Joan celebrated 50 years together before he preceded her in death on August 20, 2000.

Joan took great interest in the lives of her children and grandchildren and attended many of their athletic events over the years. She also followed sports faithfully on the radio (unless the score was too close). Reading was a lifelong pleasure for her, and she later came to enjoy audiobooks as well, listening to over 1,000 books through the Willard Library Outreach Program. Joan traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad. She was known for her intelligence, quick wit, and ability to tell jokes. Gifted with an extraordinary memory, she stayed closely connected to each member of her family and always knew what was happening in their lives.

With her late husband, Paul, Joan created enduring family traditions at Higgins Lake, where five generations have shared time together and formed lasting memories. Her love of life was evident to the end, as she danced just hours before her passing. Throughout her life, Joan quietly lived out her Catholic faith and served as an example and inspiration to her family and friends.

The family extends sincere thanks to Lakeview Assisted Living and Elara Hospice for their compassionate care and support during Joan’s final year.

Joan is survived by her sons Ed (Suzanne) Bauman and John (Cindy) Bauman and daughters Amy Bauman and Beth (Ed) Greenman; grandchildren J.P. (Janessa), Greg (Andrea), Kristen, Michael (Allyson), Thomas (Hattie), and Kevin (Aline). She is also survived by great grandchildren Frankie, Juliet, Luke, Zeke, Ike, Ben, Henry, Maggie, Brooks, and Sebastian; sisters Joyce Gadola and Jill Rhodes; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers Jim and Jack Thomas, and sister Jean McEwan.

Friends will be received 5:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, January 12, 2026, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, where the Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Monday. The Rosary will be livestreamed and may be viewed at: https://vimeo.com/event/5631666

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Christopher Ankley at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The Mass will be livestreamed and may be viewed on Facebook at: St. Joseph Catholic Church, Battle Creek, MI.

Committal and interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, where Joan will be laid to rest next to her husband Paul.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools Foundation for the Paul & Joan Bauman Family Fund, 63 N. 24th St, Battle Creek, MI 49015. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.