10-05-2022 9:05pm

Remembering Jack

Nearly a mile long parade of cars, fire trucks and police cars from Rockton, Roscoe, South Beloit and Beloit wended their way from Prairie Hill Elementary School to the home of the Baumann family on Monday afternoon, Oct. 3.

Bright blue balloons floated from the vehicles as well as "Happy Birthday, Jack" messages on car windows.

Residents from all four communities gathered along the way to pay their respects to the family of a sweet little boy who tragically lost his life on Saturday, Oct 1, 2022.

Jack Baumann would have celebrated his fifth birthday, Oct. 4.

Jack’s parents, Brandon and Valerie, family members, neighbors and friends gathered on the lawn in front of the Baumann home as the parade passed by.

He was a preschool student at Stepping Stones Child’s Center. “Jack was a happy, smiley and funny little boy,” Stepping Stones Director Toni Brown said.

The accident occurred on Saturday, Oct. 1, as Jack and his parents were leaving the Beloit YMCA Youth Sports Complex, 3302 S. Prairie Ave. in Beloit.

Jack was wearing his soccer uniform and cleated shoes. He slipped and fell on the asphalt in the parking lot. The driver of the vehicle was unable to see him. Several witnesses corroborated the incident. No charges were filed.

Funeral services will be held at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, at 5 p.m. Oct. 7. Visitation is from 2 to 5 p.m.