John David Baumgartner

Funeral services for John Baumgartner, age 65, of Foreston, will be held on Friday, October 29, 2010 at 11 AM at St. Louis Catholic Church in Foreston with Fr. Jim Remmerswaal, OSC officiating. Interment will follow at Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery near Foreston. Visitation will be from 5:30 to 8:30 PM on Thursday at Peterson-Johnson Funeral Home in Milaca and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Casketbearers will include Andre’ Baumgartner, Mark Baumgartner, Steve Baumgartner, Jeff Baumgartner, Gordy Chalberg and Ryan Auhl. Military honors will be provided by Hansen-Hayes American Legion Post #178 and Siemers-Hakes VFW Post #10794. Arr. Peterson-Johnson Funeral Home of Milaca. John David Baumgartner was born March 17, 1945 to Raymond and Marion (Weisz) Baumgartner. He grew up on the family farm near Foreston, MN. He enjoyed farming and showing cattle with his father in the F.F.A. John graduated from Milaca High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served as a marine mechanic in the engine room of the ship the New Port News. After serving four years he reenlisted and served another four year tour during the Vietnam War. After returning home, he was united in marriage to Louise Eisenschenk and started his family. John enjoyed driving truck for the Foreston Creamery and Land O’Lakes for over 25 years. Most recently he enjoyed working at the USDP in Princeton, MN for 15 years as a fork lift driver. John loved John Deere tractors, Harley Davidsons and Ford trucks. He loved to dance and listen to old country music while sharing a cold Budweiser with good friends. John’s true love and inspiration were his children and grandchildren, who he shared lots of laughs, love and memories with. He is survived by son, Andre’ (Tina) Baumgartner of Milaca; daughter, Angela Baumgartner (Quinn Nelson) of Estes Brook; grandchildren, Andrew Walters, Joshua Walters, Coleton Baumgartner, Amber, Jessica, Morgan, Mitchell and Conner Nelson; siblings, Jeanette (Jack) Sharkey of Clearwater, Norma (John) Richardson of Maple Grove, Diane (Gerry) Paulson of Forest Lake, Ilene (Marvin) Schmitt of St. Joseph, Linda (Joel) Kramer of Atlanta, GA, Mark (Pam) Baumgartner of Foreston, Mary (Roger) Van Heel of Foreston, Debra (Joseph) Sicorra of Minnetonka, Steve (Debbie) Baumgartner of Cold Spring and Jeff (Paula) Baumgartner of Randall; also by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Douglas.