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Robert Bauman Obituary
Col. Bauman was a native of East Greenville, Pa., and a resident of York County since 1969. He retired with 26 years in the United States Army having served in World War II, the Korean Conflict, and Vietnam. Prior to his Army career, he was a Merchant Marine officer.
Col. Bauman was fondly known in the Tidewater area as 'Der Burgermeister' at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, Va., for 27 years. He was prepared for this role, which he loved, throughout his life with voice training in the United States and Germany; participation in the Allentown, Pa., Opera Company and the Peninsula Opera Company; roles in many local theater productions; and with living in Wurzburg, Germany, for more than three years while in the Army.
Col. Bauman was the son of John K. Bauman and Elsie H. Bauman (Renninger). He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Anna M. Bauman (Marsh) in 2000; his brothers, Paul H. Bauman and Clarence E. Bauman; and his sister, H. Viola Huber.
He is survived by a son, Robert Bruce Bauman and his wife, Barbara (Lott), of Warner Robins, Ga.; two granddaughters, Amy C. Crawford (Michael) of St. Louis, Mo., and Wendy A. Feuerriegel (Richard F.) of Auburn, Ala.; four great-grandchildren, Amanda and Sean Crawford and Richard M. and Robert Thomas Feuerriegel; two brothers, Alton R. Bauman (Grace) of King of Prussia, Pa., and Ernest R. Bauman of East Greenville, Pa.; and two sisters, Mary R. Fox of Quakertown, Pa., and June R. Custer (Hugh) of East Greenville, Pa.; and his caregiver, Nancy Sue Moore, of Seaford, Va.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, at Amory Funeral Home, Grafton, Va.
The funeral service will on Friday, Nov. 13, at 2 p.m. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Pennsburg, Pa. Burial will be in St. Mark's Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Memorial Fund of St Mark's Lutheran Church, 81 N. Main Street, PA 18073, where Col. Bauman was a member.
Amory Funeral Home, Grafton, is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Bauman
Daniel Regan
February 26, 2021
My parents took me to Busch Gardens one year. On that trip My parents took me to see Bob perform. I’m glad that I got to see Bob perform before he passed away.
Daniel Regan
February 26, 2021
My parents took me to Busch Gardens one year and I remember seeing bob perform. I’m glad that I got to see bob perform before he passed away.
Loretta McCormick
November 22, 2009
To the Bauman Family,
My family have missed seeing seeing the bremaster perform at Busch Gardens. We have watched since the park was open in 1974 and my children called him grandpa and he always danced with my daughter. May God be with you through this time of grief.
He was a very generous man.
Chris Parker
November 15, 2009
Growing up in Hampton, I was at Busch Gardens every summer, several times most years. The Burgermeister was a staple of those visits. You will be missed old friend!
Earl Waterfield
November 14, 2009
I have visited Busch Gardens Williamsburg many times over the years. When I visited the Festhaus, Mr. Bauman would take a moment to say "guten tag" and chat for a minute after a show. He was genuinely glad to see everyone and always had a smile. I'll miss him and that wonderful singing voice. Thank you for many wonderful memories. Auf wiedersehen, Herr Bauman.
Larry Sacks
November 14, 2009
I had the pleasure of knowing Bob, initially as Cantor at Temple Sinai in Newport News, VA; later as a co-performer for the Peninsula Opera Company; as a fishing companion and at occasional performances as der Burgermeister at Bush Gardens and elsewhere. Bob was a true gentleman, an excellent performer and, I am honored to say, a friend. He will be missed by many. My condolences to his family.
Maria Alfieri
November 14, 2009
We are all better nourished by The Burgermeister's authenic German songs and his wonderful way of making thousands of strangers feel welcome! God Bless!
November 12, 2009
Uncle Robert was a class act! My family enjoyed many years as guests in his house in seaford and BGW. We always looked forward to hearing his stories, listening to his beautiful voice and just simply to spend time with he and Aunt Anna. It is a memory that will last forever in our hearts. He will truly be missed but never forgotten.... Lisa McClellan (Greensboro NC)
Allen Carter
November 11, 2009
Thank you for making my years as an entertainer at BGW worthwhile, Sir. I will always remember you as a consumate entertainer, a fine spirit, and an inspiration to those who aspire to achieve. Additionally, eternal gratitude for your distinguished service to our country. I will not forget you.
Teresa Jenkins
November 11, 2009
My prayers are with the family I too had the pleasure of working with Mr. Bauman in the Festhaus of Busch Gardens. He was always such a sweet person and I looked forward to hearing him sing each that I worked.He has been missed bye lots of people who visit and always asked about him. God Bless all that knew him and his beloved family.
James Pohl
November 11, 2009
My condolence to the Bauman family. I remember going to Busch Gardens as a kid and the first time I walked into Das Festhaus with my family, their he was singing. Years later I ended up working at Festhaus and I remember I would sing along to the songs when he would sing. I also remember taking the time to talk to him and get to know him. When the announcement of his retirement came it was sad but I was glad to see him visit from time to time since his retirement. He has left countless memories behind in the Festhaus for everyone, guest and employees that I will never forget.
Robert Van Aman
November 11, 2009
I had the pleasure of watching Bob perform when I was a kid. I had the honor or working with him as a college student. He will be missed but has truly become a legend. And Legends never die.
Jana Rhodes
November 11, 2009
Like so many others, my husband and I performed at BGW for years in college. We have such happy memories of him...stein in one hand and mic in the other, but always a smile on his face:) I always enjoyed my dance with him at the end of the show. He will be dearly missed!! Our prayers are with his family during this time.
November 11, 2009
Our condolence to the Bauman family. We share your loss. Our family, children and grandchildren had the pleasure of meeting Bob at the Festhaus.
The memories of singing together with him in 2002 will linger and be refreshed when looking at the pictures and listening to his songs. The Menke Family Newport News VA extends to you the comfort and hope expressed in Revelations Chapter 20 vs 4.
Diane Floros
November 11, 2009
I remember his voice and his smile at the Festhaus in Busch Gardens. He was a very kind and sweet gentleman always with a song and a stein. A true legend has passed on into history.
Marianne Arents
November 11, 2009
Bob added so much color to my years working in the Festhaus band. He has and will live on in my heart forever. I will always remember him fondly and pray that he enjoys eternal happiness in heaven...
Mike Tilford
November 10, 2009
He will be truly missed. We have seen Bob many, many times at Busch Gardens and always enjoyed the show that he put on. What a great voice.
Nothing like eating German food, drinking beer, and listening to him sing those German classic songs.
Tara Spaw Fronczek
November 10, 2009
I had the honor of working along side Herre Bauman for many years at Busch Gardens. I don't remember a time when he didn't put a smile on my face. I was in an Entertainment staff meeting when I was told he was retiring. I cried because I couldn't imagine the Festhaus without him. Mr. Bauman was so important to so many! My deepest sympathy to Bob's family.
Tevin Chaney
November 10, 2009
I performed at Busch Gardens for several years during college, and was in the Festhaus show several times. Bob was an integral part of the show, and the cast. There was no one who did not like him and enjoy his company (and stories). He was a true gentleman, and brought joy to many, many people.
November 10, 2009
I had the privilege or working with Bob for six years at Busch Gardens. He was always a wise listening ear for a young college student trying to find his way in life and career. The highlight was a trip to the Macy's Day Parade when he took the opportunity to show me the 'city.' We had several opportunities to reconnect when I would visit the park after moving on from Williamsburg.For me, and for many, he is, and will always be, the face of Busch Gardens.
Jason Westbrook
November 10, 2009
My sincere condolences to the Bauman family. I had the pleasure of performing in the Germany show at Busch Gardens during one of Mr. Bauman's guest appearances. Such a true talent, professional, & gentleman.
Lynn
November 10, 2009
My mom and I remember seeing Mr. Bauman everytime we visited Bush Gardens as I grew up. He seemed like such a sweet man, always with a smile and a song. I was so happy years later to bring my own children there and he was still there performing. May all the joy he brought to so many find its way to his family at this time.
Andrew Callo
November 10, 2009
I played in the Festhaus Band from 1988 to 1990. I remember us celebrating his 75th birthday. Seems like yesterday. I also remember him modestly telling us about his army career too. He was and is a true American hero.
November 10, 2009
Our sincere condolences We have many happy memories of Bob at Busch Gardens He was true officer and gentleman.
Lt Col(ret) Gary Weaver & family
Shawn Blasingame
November 10, 2009
Our sincere condolences to Bob's family. My husband and I both performed various years in the Festhaus & loved Bob very much. He was such a kind man.
Theresa Stefanowicz
November 10, 2009
I worked in Das Festhaus Dining Room 1978-1980 and it was a joy to have witnessed all the guests who loved seeing Mr. Bauman perform. He was a terrific performer and personality and it was great to have known him.
Karen
November 10, 2009
How very sad - a legend is gone. But many happy memories will live on.
Agnes & Dave Gootee
November 10, 2009
We had seen Mr. Bauman perform numerous times at Busch Gardens. What a terrific performer! He made so many people so happy. Even my dad in his 70's got up and danced.
Agnes & Dave, Seaford
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