Tim John Baas, age 63 of Kenosha, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by the loving care of his family on Friday, December 18, 2020.

Born in Kenosha on July 4, 1957, he was the son of the late Donald T. and Beverly J. (nee: Vandeveld) Baas.

Tim was a 1975 graduate of Tremper High School.

He married Mary Brunner on April 1, 1995.

He was employed as a head custodian with Kenosha Unified Schools District for the last 38 years, finishing off his last 18 years at Vernon Elementary where he became well known and beloved by both students and staff alike. His humble office space became a gathering place for little faces popping in on him to receive a silly grin, piece of candy, or push of a button on his Darth Vadar or Superman action figure doll. He was a saving grace to staff, responding to the never-ending demands of maintenance with cheerfulness and patience. He was also a friend to all, lending an ear, delivering in a silly joke, or throwing in some much-needed football talk to lighten any day.

To his friends and family, he was loyal, selfless, goofy, thoughtful, and loving. In his presence you would frequently hear the running of little feet as he chased around his grandkids to the shouts of "Grampy!" and the response "Whaty?"  The word "no" was an infrequent word in his vocabulary as he always put others before himself. No matter the hour, the inconvenience, or the expense, he would always ride to the aid of his children, helping them in any of their needs. You would often see him throw back a beer and give a slap on the back to his friends and family as he enjoyed a Packer or Sox game of which he was an avid fan. He was an accomplished bowler in the Sheridan lane leagues for the last 45 years and enjoyed the social comradery of his friends and son.

He, his father, and brother  bought the Kenosha Theatre and apartments in the early 80's in the hopes to restore and revitalize the theatre, bringing life to downtown Kenosha. He later took on his son as another generational member of this endeavor, making him his apprentice at the age of 8.

Tim's late life romance was a real-life fairytale. They were high school sweethearts in the early 1970's, parted ways, and were reunited later again in 1993. Despite many trials and hardships, their life together was filled with much joy, love, and devotion. True to their vows, Tim lovingly cared for Mary for the last 22 years of her illness. When the tables turned, Mary faithfully did the same for him during his courageous and grueling 2-year battle with Amyloidosis.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary; his three children, Laura (Mark) Debish, Brianna Pienkowski, and Noah (Kylie) Baas; five grandchildren, Anya, Ian, Katarina, Dominik, and Philomena Debish, and a grandson, John-Gabriel Baas on the way; his siblings, Gayle (Wayne) Stinefast, Patty Baas, and Jeff Baas, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Along with his parents, Tim was preceded in death by his first-born son, Gabriel Baas; his granddaughter, Gianna Debish; twin siblings, Mary and Joseph Baas at birth; his in-laws, Don Brunner, Phyllis Brunner Specht, and Vern Specht, and his niece Shannon Brunner.

Private funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the Draeger- Langendorf Funeral Home.  To view Tim's service via livestream, please visit his obituary on the funeral home website and click the link.  A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. You are kindly encouraged to wear green and gold in memory of him. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider memorial remembrances to either the Froedtert Cancer Center, 9200 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, Wi., 53226 ATTN: AMYLOID RESEARCH (Dr. Anita D' Souza M.D.) or Children's Wisconsin Foundation, MS3050, PO Box 1997, Milwaukee, Wi. 53201.

Service Details

Private funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the Draeger- Langendorf Funeral Home.  To view Tim's service via livestream, click this link https://youtu.be/47BL4IBnLh0 A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. You are kindly encouraged to wear green and gold in memory of him.