Peter Kurt Baumann, 65, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026. He was born the first child of Kurt and Ruth Baumann on October 5, 1960, in Al Tahoe, California, which later became South Lake Tahoe in 1965.
The Baumann family started their story in Lake Tahoe in 1957 when Peter’s father, Kurt, bought Schmidt’s Bakery and property. Kurt, seeing that he would need help running the new restaurant, sent word back to Germany, and in 1959, a young, eager Ruth answered his call. Their bond was immediate, and the two soon found themselves married. Peter arrived shortly after.
The Baumanns have always been a hard-working family, and young age didn’t change that. Peter and his younger brothers, Ralph and Mark, all began working in the Swiss Chalet restaurant at around 8 years old. The boys would help prep food, wash dishes, and learn how to build and repair the family business. After graduating from South Tahoe High in 1978, Peter went to Europe to start his apprenticeship in fine cooking. Peter returned to the US and attended American River College, where he earned his AA degree in business. After graduating, Peter went back to Europe to complete his apprenticeship in fine cooking.
When Peter returned home, he joined the rest of the family cooking in the kitchen at the Swiss Chalet. He met his wife, Janet, there in 1989 and got married soon after. He worked extremely hard cooking and maintaining the property, summer and winter, for over 50 years. Peter put his heart and soul into the Swiss; it is impossible to think of the Swiss without thinking of Peter and the many great memories there.
Peter truly embodied living life to the fullest. He loved to travel with his family and friends, some of his favorite places being Bavaria, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Thailand, and Mexico. He was a gifted photographer and woodworker, and many of his friends received a piece or two of his fine work. He enjoyed skiing, fishing, camping, and listening to rock music. But his favorite thing of all was raising his son, Erich, who was his pride and joy.
Peter is survived by his wife Janet Baumann, son Erich Baumann and daughter-in-law Courtney Baumann, brother Mark Baumann and sister-in-law Melissa Baumann, and brother Ralph Baumann and niece Nicole Baumann.
A celebration of life will be held in honor of Peter with his friends and family at Sierra Community Church on June 9 at 4 p.m., followed by a reception at Cold Water Restaurant, the former Swiss Chalet Restaurant.
If you wish to make a donation in Peter’s memory, please consider the Tahoe Area Mountain Bike Association (TAMBA), Keep Tahoe Blue, or any other non-profit that you would like to keep Peter’s memories alive.
