Robert John Baumgart

Robert John Baumgart, age 85, of the Town of Drammen, Eau Claire County, Wisconsin, passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at his home with his family at his side.  

He was born on April 13, 1938 in Chicago to the late Edward J. and Ernestine G. (Schottmiller) Baumgart.

Robert was raised in Chicago, attended and graduated from Mount Carmel High School. 

On September 17, 1956, Robert enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was stationed at Keesler AFB in Biloxi and Lockbourne AFB in Ohio before his honorable discharge on September 16, 1960.

On August 21, 1957, Robert was united in marriage to his childhood sweetheart, Constance “Connie” R. Miller in St. Joseph, Michigan.  To this loving union, four children were born.  Connie preceded Robert in death on January 6, 2002. 

After his service to his Country, Robert worked for a brief time for the City of Chicago before he accepted a position with Illinois Bell Telephone Co.  In July of 1970, Robert took an opportunity to move his family to rural Wisconsin and transferred to AT&T, a subsidiary of Bell, in Eau Claire.  Soon after arriving in Wisconsin, they purchased the family hobby farm where the “city slickers” became “country bumpkins” and provided a legacy of loving the outdoors for their children and grandchildren.   Robert was an active member of the AT&T Pioneers which is a network of volunteers that inspire immediate and tangible change in communities. 

Robert was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rock Falls and served as a Deacon for the church.

Robert was a devout Christian and family man.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing, farming, watching old Westerns, Gunsmoke, old family sitcoms, and Lawrence Welk.  He also enjoyed camping at the lake.

His family will remember him as a “Jack of all trades”, taking wagon rides on the tractor or just taking walks around the land together.  Robert took great pride in the life lessons he taught his grandchildren.  As a Christian and a man of deep faith, he would always tell them, “God loves you…and so do I.”

Robert will be dearly missed by his children, Tim (Becky) Baumgart, Terri (Jim) Johnson, Bonnie (Stan) McLean and Scott (Kristy) Baumgart; grandchildren, Eric Baumgart, Niki (Matt) Kruschke, Erin (Mike) Englund, Kyle Johnson, Ashlynne (Zac) Knutson, Haley (Andrew) Fiegen, Tristan McLean, Logan Baumgart, Sami LeaVesseaur Avea LeaVesseur, Ashley Anibas and Nick Anibas; 14 great grandchildren…and counting; also by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Besides his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Connie; brothers, Ed (Jean) and Don (Carol) and sister, June (Don).

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at 4:00 PM at the Talbot Family Funeral Home, Mondovi Chapel with Chaplain Jed Watson, officiating.  A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday from 1:00 PM until the hour of the service.  Full military honors will be held at the funeral home after the service.