Dr. Dorsey "Pete" Baumann

[1932] – [2026]

Dr. D.F. "Pete" Baumann, a devoted family man, pioneering dentist, and dedicated servant of God and his community, passed away peacefully on June 25.

Pete was born and raised on a wheat farm in Washtucna, Washington, to Adolph and Doris Baumann. It was there that a kind housekeeper helping his mother gave him the nickname "Pete," which stayed with him for the rest of his life. The family later moved south to farm wheat in eastern Washington, including the Horse Heaven Hills near Prosser, where Pete started high school and played football. The family eventually moved to Spokane, where his father began building homes, and Pete graduated from Central Valley High School.

Following high school, Pete pursued his interest in the pre-dental program at Gonzaga University in Spokane. A proud Zag, he played the clarinet in the university marching band and earned his bachelor's degree in sciences. He was accepted into the Saint Louis University School of Dentistry in Missouri for what would have been his senior year at Gonzaga, ultimately earning his doctorate degree in dental science. While attending dental school, through his dental fraternity Delta Sigma Delta, he met Betty Ann Chapman. The two were married during his junior year at Grace United Methodist Church in St. Louis.

After dental school, Pete completed three months of training at the School of Aviation Medicine at Gunter AFB in Alabama. He was then assigned to Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California, where he served as a Captain and dentist in the medical clinic on base. It was during his time at Travis AFB that he and Betty welcomed their first child.

Upon completing his Air Force service, Pete and Betty looked around the Spokane area before discovering the Tri-Cities as the perfect place to build a life and a practice. They moved to Kennewick in 1958, and welcomed their second child in May 1959. Pete bought his first dental practice in the Baker Building in downtown Kennewick, which proudly featured one of the very first reclining dental chairs in the Tri-Cities. As his practice grew rapidly, he co-built a new building in 1962 on the corner of Yelm Street and Highway 395, later expanding it in 1977 to accommodate three to four doctors and 13 treatment rooms. Between 1963 and 1970, their family grew to completion with the birth of another son and another daughter. Pete lovingly served his patients until his retirement in 1994.

Throughout his busy career, Pete always found peace in nature. He loved camping and spending time at his getaways at Clear Lake, Washington and fishing with his grandson. And later, Priest Lake, Idaho. He was an avid water-skier, enjoyed boating, enjoyed vegetable gardening, and loved hunting alongside the many different dogs he adored throughout his life. He and Betty loved traveling, embarking on overseas cruises and domestic trips with friends and family. Later in life, Pete bought an RV so he and Betty could continue exploring the outdoors, creating cherished memories camping with his twin granddaughters.

Pete believed deeply in giving back. He was a long-standing member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Kennewick, a lifetime member of the WSDA, and past president of the Benton Franklin County Dental Society. He regularly volunteered his dental skills for the WSDA Smile Mobile, treating children in need, and served as a volunteer instructor for dental assistants at the Tri-Tech Skills Center. He also served as a commissioner for the City of Kennewick Housing Authority and volunteered his time at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center.

For over 60 years, Pete and Betty were pillar members of the Kennewick First United Methodist Church. Pete lived his faith as a true disciple of God—singing in the church choir, volunteering as a troop leader for the Boy Scouts of America, participating in marriage encounter retreats, teaching Sunday School, leading the Bethel Bible Adult Study class, and helping with countless church events.

Above all else, Pete loved the beautiful family he and Betty created and nurtured. He grew up in a close, loving home, adoring his own mother and father, and carried that same deep love into his own household.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Doris Baumann; his sister, Leta Belle; and his brother, Robert.

He is survived by the absolute love of his life and wife of 71 years, Betty; his four children, Cynthia, Marcus, Eric (Venera), and Amy (Aaron); his three cherished grandchildren; and his five adored great-grandchildren.