Robert "Ducky" Baum

Robert "Ducky" Baum
MORTON - Robert "Ducky" Lee Baum, 75, passed away on Monday, February 27, 2017, at his home in Paradise Valley, Arizona, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 18, 1942, in Morton, Illinois, the 4th son of the late Otto and Mary Baum.
After graduating from Morton High School in 1960, he began his career as a bricklayer apprentice. He quickly began to take a keen interest in his father's business, Otto Baum and Sons Masonry. Ducky married the love of his life, Christine Schupbach, on January 1, 1966, in Phoenix, Arizona. They recently celebrated 51 years of marriage. In 1983, Ducky moved his family to Phoenix to help run Sun Valley Masonry.
He will be fondly remembered as a loving husband, a faithful father to his 4 children and an amazing grandpa to his 16 grandchildren. He was a family man who will leave a wonderful legacy in his children and grandchildren. Ducky will be remembered for his unconditional love of his family, his unwavering faith in God, his dedication to his employees and the masonry industry and his charitable works.
He was a member of the Apostolic Christian church of America for over 50 years. His faith in Jesus Christ was at the core of who he was and was evidenced by how he lived his life. His family, church family, friends and employees were dear to his heart. His zest for life and genuine love for people was magnetic.
For 60+ plus years, Ducky's strong work ethic and integrity in business has been a guiding force behind the growth and success of two of this countries leading masonry contracting businesses, Otto Baum and Sons of Illinois and Sun Valley Masonry of Arizona. On January 18, 2017, he was inducted into the National Masonry Hall of Fame. Ducky's daily examples of innovation, dedication, perseverance, loyalty, honesty, integrity and faith were an inspiration to all who knew him. "Well done my good and faithful servant. Matthew 25:23.
He is survived by: spouse, Christine Baum, Paradise Valley, AZ; daughters, Stefanie (Randy) Wuethrich, Scottsdale, AZ, Stacey (Mark) Steffen, Phoenix, AZ, Nicole (Todd) Steffen, Scottsdale, AZ; son, Todd (Erica) Baum, Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Jared Wuethrich, Kailey Wuethrich, Alexa Wuethrich, Hannah Steffen, Jonah Steffen, Emma Steffen, Joshua Steffen, Ella Steffen, Whitney (Jed) Maughan, Jessica Baum, Elijah Baum, Josiah Baum, Adelayde Steffen, Amelia Steffen, Isaiah Steffen, Nina Steffen; loving brother of Eileen (Howard) Maurer, Scottsdale, AZ, sister; Wayne Baum, Peoria, IL, brother; Kenny (Jody) Baum, Peoria, IL, brother; and Barb Mohr, Morton, IL, sister. He was preceeded in death by Otto and Mary Baum, Morton, IL, parents; Glen Baum, Morton, IL, brother; and Melvin Baum, Morton, IL, brother.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Sunday, March 5, 2017, at Apostolic Christian Church Fellowship Hall, 9230 N. 26th Street Phoenix, AZ 85028. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 6, 2017, at Redemption Church GILBERT, Worship Center, 1820 W. Elliot Rd Gilbert, AZ 85233. Flowers can be sent to Hansen's Mortuary Chapel, 8314 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to Phoenix Rescue Mission or Loving Shepherd. Please visit www.hansenmortuary.com for online condolences.