R. Frederick Baensch, 79 passed away peacefully at his home on July 24, 2015. Fred was born to Reinhard and Ruth Baensch of Milwaukee, Wisconsin on September 13, 1935. Fred grew up part time in Lancaster County, Virginia and part time in Wisconsin until he married and located permanently in Virginia. Fred attended St. Johns Military Academy in Delafield, Wis. and Milwaukee School of Engineering. He served in the US Army in Munich, Germany for 2 years as an interpreter as German was his second language. He was Vice President of Baensch Food Products Company and President of Chesapeake Herring Corporation until Chesapeake Herring closed in 1981. In 1972 Fred organized a successful effort to establish a medical center in White Stone and was the Founding Chairman of the White Stone Community Medical Center. Five years later his dream of a local hospital became a reality when Rappahannock General Hospital opened its doors in Kilmarnock, Va. Fred was the Founding Chairman of the Board and President of Rappahannock General Hospital. In 1982 Fred was appointed as the hospital’s CEO. Under his leadership, RGH prospered greatly by adding new technology and services that paved the way to a financially sound, state of the art medical facility. His dream saved countless lives and enhanced our community by providing much needed jobs. In June 1994 Fred retired as CEO of RGH. Fred remained President of Chesapeake Hospital Corporation until his death.
Fred also served as President of the Treakle Charitable Foundation, was past Chairman of the Lancaster County Wetlands Board and past Director of Chesapeake Bank. In 1976 he was named Outstanding Citizen of Lancaster County by the local Rotary clubs and in 1981 was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Richard Henry Lee Chapter of the SAR.
While administrator of RGH, he began assisting the Red Cross by making “blood runs”, in his personal aircraft. He transported blood from Red Cross sources in Norfolk, back to RGH, in order to expedite the time of delivery to the hospital, thus saving lives.
As a gadget guy, he loved new technology and throughout his life, continued to learn new things. He was a certified diver, a licensed pilot, avid boater and RV enthusiast. If it flew, floated or rolled, Fred loved it! He continued to feed his curiosity by always having the latest electronics, gadgets and toys.
Fred would want the employees of Rappahannock General to know how much he enjoyed working with them and always valued their dedication and hard work.
Fred is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judy; his daughters, Lori Pickett and husband Victor, of Chesapeake and Lisa Baensch Chernoff of Richmond; grandchildren, Victoria and Harrison Pickett and Alex Chernoff. He is also survived by his sister Marion Walz (Ron) of Brookfield, Wis. and two nieces.
A Visitation will be held from 6 - 8 pm on Friday, August 14th and Memorial service at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 15th at Currie Funeral Home in Kilmarnock. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to either the Bon Secours RGH Foundation, P. O. Box 1449 Kilmarnock, VA 22482 or Hospice of Virginia, P.O. Box 2098,Tappahannock, VA 22560.