Funeral Homily: William J. Baum, June 8, 2023

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 The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.

The soul of Bill is in the hand of God, no torment shall touch him.

We are here to bid our final farewell to Bill, our beloved brother, grandpa, dad, husband, friend. I feel privileged to have known Bill these last two years and honored to preside over this Mass for his sending off.

Many of you would have known him much longer and much better than I. I wish I had more time with him. I was awed when I read his obituary, his life story is inspirational. I know from my encounter with him that he was a dedicated husband, a loving and caring father, the greatest fan to every one of his grandchildren, and an incredible friend to countless people here and around the world.

His going would surely leave a void in our lives. It is only natural that we grieve this loss.

Bill was a man of remarkable character. His love for life, his sense of humor, and his thoughtfulness for others were the hallmarks of his personality. The memories of Bill are imprinted in our hearts, which I am sure the recall will still bring a smile, a warm feeling and even laughter.

When I first met Bill and Marge, I was so very moved by their sweet and unwavering love for each other. I was told that Bill would often bring back ornaments and precious diamonds from his business trips for Marge.

This made me reflect on the gospel passage about the merchant who searched and found the precious pearl. Marge, looks like Bill never found anything more precious than you all these 64 years. And your love for each other radiates through to your entire family, to everyone who encountered you both.

While Bill traveled the world, dealing with precious stones, diamonds, and pearls in his business, he was also searching earnestly for the kingdom of Heaven. In just two years of my serving at St. Ambrose, I remember Bill had come to me for the sacrament of reconciliation almost every month. He was diligently preparing himself for heaven. Even during his illness, he would not take his medication until he had completed his prayers. His commitment to his spiritual life was steadfast, his heart and mind were set for eternal life.

We heard in the first reading, "Because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings, he took them to himself."

Recently before his passing, Bill went through various medical challenges. Through those sufferings, God tried and found Bill worthy of Himself and took him.

When I gave Bill the anointing of the sick and Holy Communion on Friday, I had a wonderful heartwarming conversation with him and family. I am at peace that he received the sacrament of god’s healing, forgiveness and mercy. 

To the family, the memories you shared with Bill are like precious pearls that will forever adorn the necklace of your lives. 

As you embark on the journey of healing, may you find comfort in knowing that Bill is not away, but gone to God, and because he is now with God, he is much closer to you than you can ever imagine.

As we mourn, let us also celebrate. Bill has gone to receive his eternal reward. Let us keep his spirit of love, passion and selfless giving alive, carrying it forward in our own lives as a testament to the beautiful legacy he leaves behind.

In closing, let us remember the words of Jesus in the gospel, "The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it."

Bill found that pearl of great price in his faith, he now owns it forever. May you also find this precious pearl in your own life. May God’s comforting love embrace each and every one of you during this time of mourning.

Eternal rest grant unto William J. Baum, O Lord and let your perpetual light shine on him. Amen.


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