Obituaries for Jörg in memory and honor – tributes by our friends

In memoriam Jörg Baumann (May 24, 1966 to January 28, 2025)

written by our dearest friends, as of January and February, 2026

June 15, 2026 – 500 days without him

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A life full of warmth and inspiration

Jörg passed away last year, at the age of 58, after a serious illness. It’s hard for us to write this because he was a very important friend to us for decades – we met during our studies at University and spent a long time together for about 35 years. When we think of him, we first hear his laughter. He had that special humor that immediately lifts everyone’s mood. It’s legendary that he could recite almost the entire Monty Python’s Life of Brian by heart – and at nearly every gathering these lines would resurface, a loving running gag that simply belonged to him – Romanes eunt domus… We both have birthdays on May 24th, and Rainer on May 18th – a shared celebration almost offered itself and, over the years, became a fixed tradition – “Rettenbach.”

Even when life carried us in different directions, contact never faded. We are grateful for everything that was, and very sad that he is missing. Our thoughts are with Sabine and everyone who misses him as well.

Bettina & Rainer (“die Schatzis” / “the Darlings”) from Munich, February 1, 2026

Thoughts about Jörg

When I think of Jörg, I see a special childhood friend in my mind. This childhood friendship belongs to timeless friendships because it arose in a relaxed, free environment.

We spent a lot of our free time together, at a time when a lot changes in a person’s life – school, studies, relationships, career choices.

The serious topics of life were mostly secondary; we wanted to spend time with each other, and through that an unshakable familiarity and mutual respect grew.

Jörg was always ambitious, but never stubborn about it. At game nights he always wanted to win, but he was most happy about the exciting rounds and battles, even if others won.

Even in discussions it often got heated, and outsiders could get the impression that knives might come out at any moment. Jörg remained firm on the matter, but never personal, and at the end of the debate the topic was celebrated with a shared beer and all was well again.

What else besides the joy of games connected us? Jörg was a jazz fan and a movie fan, with Monty Python’s black British humor particularly appealing to him. We could fill whole evenings with quotes from Monty Python and The Blues Brothers.

And Jörg was a friend of wordplay. Laughing together was one of the essential bonds of our friendship.

We are glad and grateful for life to have belonged to the inner circle of this youth clique together with Jörg. Such friendships endure beyond death.

Hubert und Kerstin Weber from Munich, January 25, 2026

“In school and during my studies, we often saw each other and shared many beautiful moments.

With Jörg, I could always laugh heartily. We had a lot of fun, went to the cinema with friends, outdid each other with movie quotes, and argued for nights on end until our heads were buzzing.

I admired Jörg greatly for his lovable nature and his humor. He was a friend you “could steal horses with.”

I thought we would have more time for one more reunion, but things turned out differently. I miss him and will always carry him in my heart.”

Astrid from Munich, February 1, 2026

Moin (Hello) dear Sabine and of course Jörg, because he is always with you.

You asked me to write a contribution to Jörg’s obituary. Of course, I’m happy to do that.

I actually think that nowhere is there as much lying as at funerals and obituaries. A bad person is made into a saint.

So. Now to Jörg. I really tried hard to find his negative qualities. Sorry… I can’t find any. I have rarely met such an honest and positive person. When questions arose, and in any form, they were answered without any trace of arrogance and with consideration. And with great expertise on every topic.

Even if a disagreement came up between the two of you, Jörg took it with humor. Because his unwavering love for you was always visible and tangible to me.

Unfortunately, such people are needed in heaven very early. The worse ones may cause mischief here for a bit longer. Of course, I don’t mean the readers of these lines.

Many kind regards and a big warm hug.

Rainer & Sabine from Niebüll

We remember Jörg as a humorous, life-loving person who loved to cook for you, and he really was good at it, as you always like to say.

He had a great sense of humor – we received a gift of an Asterix and Obelix T-shirt, which he obviously picked out himself, because he loved those comics too.

We think of you today, dear Sabine, with the awareness of how painful his absence is for you, for science and your work as well.

He left behind many beautiful memories. In silent remembrance on the first anniversary.

Maria & Gerben with Anna from the Netherlands, January 26, 2026

Some people leave only order behind; others leave foot prints in life.

Jörg clearly belonged to the second category. Those who knew him know: cooking was not a task for him but an event. With great passion, full commitment – and a kitchen that looked as if chaos had cooked along. Order was optional; pleasure, duty, and somehow it always tasted great in the end.

Professionally, he was a brilliant scientist, a smart mind with tireless curiosity. His work testifies to great precision, a sense of responsibility, and the wish to make the world a little better and safer.

We bid farewell to a special person and remember him as he was: intelligent, passionate, chaotic, warm, and unforgettable.

With deep sympathy,

The Hechel Family from Frankonia, January 22, 2026

This is post No. 272