MADISON - James “Jim” Baehnk, age 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 14, 2022, surrounded by his family in Madison, Wis.

Jim grew up in the Davenport, Iowa, area spending time on both the farm and in “town.” He attended Augustana College, but left school early to fulfill his dream of seeing the world as a U.S. Marine. Jim started his service as Company Honor Man, then sailed the Pacific on the U.S.S. Saint Paul, and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant.

Upon returning home in 1959, he married Ruth Barnes, “that cute girl,” who mowed his uncle’s lawn. He and Ruth moved throughout the Midwest as Jim was transferred with each job promotion at Oscar Mayer. In 1974 they settled in their adopted hometown of Madison where Jim was a procurement coordinator, but if you asked him his title he would proudly say “hog buyer.”

Jim and Ruth raised three daughters, Susan (Steve) Immel, Lynn (Flint) Sansone and Jill (Mark) Timberlake. They have three grandchildren, Thomas (Liz) Baehnk, Steven Immel and Christina Timberlake; and three great-grandchildren.

A private funeral will be held at the family cemetery in Blue Grass, Iowa. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

James A Baehnk

October 18, 1934 - April 14, 2022

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