Post Messenger Recorder -

Herbert G. Baumgartner, age 88 of Gratiot, passed away on Friday, May 20, 2022, at SSM Health Hospice Home in Monroe after a long illness. He was born the son of Frederick A. Baumgartner and Anna S. Schneider on April 17, 1934, in New Glarus.

He grew up in the New Glarus area. At the age of four, he and his brother, Paul, age 6, were raised by an uncle and aunt, Samuel Mani and their mother's sister, Verena. Their mother, Anna, died a month after giving birth to a daughter, Mardelle. Mardelle was later adopted by another sister and her husband, Bertha and Henry Hefty of Brodhead.

Herbert proudly served in the US Army, volunteering for the draft on November 17, 1954. After basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, he completed a 12-week course in 2nd Echelon Wheeled Vehicle School. He served at Fort Hood, TX, and Fort Polk, LA, where he was assigned to the Motor Pool for Battalion Headquarters servicing all wheeled and tracked vehicles until his completion of active duty on November 16, 1956.

Herbert was very grateful for having had the privilege of being on the Badger Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., with his brother, Paul, on September 22, 2018. He was a member of the Argyle American Legion Post 251 in Argyle WI. He was a proud recipient of the Quilt of Valor in October 2019.

Herbert married Patricia R. Baumgartner on October 28, 1961, in Gratiot. He was a diversified farmer, specializing in dairy from 1966 to 1991. He proudly owned his family farm for 50 years, eventually selling to his son, Jim. He was a member of St John's Catholic Church in South Wayne and was a very active lifetime member of the FFA Alumni.

He was a die-hard fan of the New York Yankees, NASCAR driver Jimmy Johnson, avid Packers fan, he cheered on his great-nephew, Alex Erickson, in the NFL, former Badgers Football and UW Women's Basketball season ticket holder, and enjoyed watching and supporting the Black Hawk School District and, most of all, watching his grandchildren participate in their school activities. He also served on Black Hawk School Board for several years, served as juror for Federal Jury Duty Service, supporter of the Community Parks in Gratiot, South Wayne and Wiota, and served as delegate and adult chaperone at the National FFA convention.

Herbert is survived by his wife, Pat; children, David (Robin Burdick) Baumgartner of South Wayne, Steven (Chrissy) Baumgartner of Oak Creek, John (Kristin) Baumgartner of Beloit, Mary(Dan) Monson of Wiota and James (Brandi) Baumgartner of Wiota; 14 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a half-sister, Barbara Webb of Verona.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Brett Baumgartner; brother, Paul; and sister, Mardelle Marsh; and father/mother-in-law, Martin and Mary Erickson.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2022, at St Joesph's Catholic Church in Gratiot at 11:00 a.m., with Father Peter Lee officiating. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery in South Wayne. A visitation was held on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home in Monroe.

Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.shriner111.com.