Kenneth Lee Baum

Kenneth Lee Baum, 66, of Sarasota and Groveland, passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at UnityPoint Methodist Hospital in Peoria after battling health issues for several months. He was born on March 27, 1956, in Peoria, to Melvin and Linda (Laney) Baum. He married his loving wife, JoAn Butler, in Breckenridge, CO on August 4, 1999; she survives. Also surviving are his two sons, Shaun Baum of Morton and Jeremy Storm of East Peoria; two brothers, Kurt (Deona) Baum of Cape Coral, FL and Craig (Lisa) Baum of Sarasota, FL; his sister, Melinda (Pete) Lopez of Orlando, FL; stepmother, Linda Baum of Fort Myers, FL; mother-in-law, Norma (Charles) Roth of Morton; father-in-law, Robert (Pat) Butler of Groveland; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He cherished his “golden girls,” Lucy Lou and Missy and his eskipoo, Tinky. They were often seen walking in the neighborhood, riding on the golf cart en route to the dog park in Florida and taking rides in the truck. He was preceded in death by his parents; his twin brother, Keith; and his brother-in-law, Dan Butler. Kenneth spent the majority of his working career at the construction company founded by his grandfather, Otto Baum & Sons, Inc. in Morton, Illinois. He started as a teenager, loading trucks and maintaining the warehouse and storage yard, then as a long-time laborer in the Locals 231 and 165 in a variety of roles including concrete crew and field coordinator, all the way up to general superintendent. Kenneth was highly respected for his strong work ethic and was well-liked for his good nature and fun-loving attitude. His coworkers and associates knew that he worked as hard as he played! He retired in 2013 after 40 years of service to the company. JoAn and KB enjoyed the road trips to and from their Sarasota and Groveland homes. Their favorite place was New Orleans where they were thrilled to be on the Field Team for the Super Bowl half-time show. He loved both of his white Harleys, Opal the Ultra in Sarasota and Pearl the Heritage in Groveland. Cremation rites have been accorded. Gary Dieters Funeral Home & Cremation Services in East Peoria is assisting the family. Kenneth asked that in lieu of services, a Memorial Ride be held in early summer at the Country Saloon in East Peoria, where he could be found many afternoons sharing tall tales with his fellow retirees. Memorials may be made to Greater Peoria Honor Flight. Online condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.

Kenneth Lee Baum

March 27, 1956 - January 14, 2023