Name: Visitation for Samuel Baethge
Start: 2019-03-29T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2019-03-30T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Pennington Funeral Home - San Marcos

November 11, 1939 - March 8, 2019
Samuel (Sam) Baethge of San Marcos, Texas died on March 8 at the age of 79. He was born November 11, 1939 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the son of Alvin and Augusta (Jordan) Baethge.

He was valedictorian at Fredericksburg High School and graduated from Texas Lutheran College with a bachelor's degree in Mathematics and English. After service in the US Air Force, he returned to Fredericksburg to operate the family ranch. Mr. Baethge inspired many students to excel at mathematics and problem-solving in his 40+ years of teaching and coaching in Fredericksburg, San Antonio and Austin. Sam was also known across America and internationally for his mathematical solutions and contest problem writing skills.

Sam is survived by his wife of 56 years, Edwina Baethge, San Marcos; daughter Barbara Cassin and her husband Robert Cassin, Jr., Middletown, NJ; brother Jonathan Baethge and his wife Carol, Fredericksburg; sister-in-law Judith Rockman, Austin; grandchildren Theresa Carnes, Robert Cassin III, and Allie Cassin; a niece, nephews, cousins, and one great-granddaughter.

Preceding him in death were his daughter Kathryn Carnes, his son-in-law Richard Carnes, and his parents.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 30 at 1:00 pm at First Lutheran Church, San Marcos with Pastor Tim Bauerkemper officiating.

The family will greet friends and relatives from 5-7 pm on Friday, March 29 at the Pennington Funeral Home, San Marcos and after the service on Saturday at First Lutheran.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to: "Texas Mathematics League" 12328 Cardinal Flower Dr., Austin, TX 78739; First Lutheran Church, San Marcos, or the charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Antonio Express-News on Mar. 27, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Baethge

Sponsored by Pennington Funeral Home - San Marcos.

7 Entries

Edwina Baethge

March 5, 2021

Two year anniversary of Sam's death. We love him in his absence, as in his presence. His life and legacy to his family and students, co-math problem writers and solvers, continue. Thank you, God, for giving us Sam Baethge to learn from, to love.Edwina Baethge 03/05/2021

Mike Barborak

October 12, 2020

Mrs. Baethge,
I taught with Sam at Southside HS 1972-1974 and he and I scouted football games. Sam was a GREAT guy and I am very sorry that I did not contact him sooner. I send my sincere condolences to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Mike Barborak

SHIRLEY JOHNSON

March 28, 2019

If I recall correctly, I only met Samuel a few times and the last time was at Sarah B's wedding in Fredericksburg. I will always remember him as a quiet yet brilliant man. I know he will be greatly missed by his family. Sending much love to Wina. You are in my prayers. (This is Shirley, Carol and John's sister.) A contribution in Samuel's name will be sent to the Texas Math League in lieu of flowers. God bless you all during this very sad time.

Shirley and Randy Johnson

SJB and me

Barbara Cassin

March 27, 2019

"Mr. Baethge" was a math teacher to many, including me (and yes, I called my Dad "Mr. Baethge" for 3 years when I was in his class it just seemed right). He taught at The Science Academy in Austin (1989-ish - 1996) after teaching in lots of San Antonio high schools, and after his start at St. Mary's in Fredericksburg. Since he grew up on the family ranch and was still a rancher in his 'free time' -- he did have a lot of great stories. He loved mathematics and he had a wonderful knack for being able to explain complex concepts in understandable ways. Dad was known all over the U.S. in the math world and even internationally by the 1990s. To my sister and I, he was also the ROCK that we could lean on and he did dishes and laundry and cooked us meals too! I am blessed to have had Sam J. Baethge as my Daddy. I miss him immensely.

N. Andrews

March 27, 2019

My condolences go out to your family during this tragedy. I hope the God of comfort gives you the strength to endure this traumatic experience.

Dad doing a crossword puzzle

Barbara Cassin

March 27, 2019

THOMAS BRYLA

March 24, 2019

"Mr. Baethge" was my Math instructor back at St. Mary's High School in Fredericksburg, Texas, from my Freshman year in 1967 to graduation in 1971. While I was not one of his stars, he definitely knew how to teach and make it interesting with occasional story telling including one about a brother? who used to make flint arrowheads back at the family place and then claim they were found Indian artifacts. I believe they last time I saw him was in Fredericksburg in 1978. It was a very enjoyable visit. My condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.

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