Paul Baumgartner

Paul Frederick Baumgartner, 89, peacefully passed away on October 27, 2021. Paul, known for his sense of humor and positivity, was a loving husband and father, grandfather, brother and uncle. Paul led a fulfilling life, passionate about family, oil painting, gardening, and many hobbies, while civically engaged in the Madison community.

Paul, the eldest of three, was born in New Glarus on September 4, 1932, to his parents Frederick and Anna (Schneider) Baumgartner and was raised by his aunt and uncle, Verena and Sam Mani.

Paul worked on the farm, and after graduating from New Glarus High School, Paul volunteered for the draft in 1955. He served in U.S. Navy for three years and was in active reserves for seventeen. While in the Navy he went to Portsmouth, VA, for Medic Corps Training school, and was stationed at the Naval Hospital in Pensacola, FL and at Tripler Hospital, Honolulu, Hawaii until he was honorably discharged. Paul pursued his medical education with a B.S. degree in Biological Sciences from UW-Plattville, and later enrolled in UW Madison’s pre-med program where he was certified as a physician assistant. During this time, he also acquired a pilot’s license and flew as far as California; his passion for aviation persisted for life.

While in Madison he met his wife, Judith Ann Neuhauser. They wed July 11, 1959, and later had two children, Michael and Heidi.  Paul worked for the State of Wisconsin, as an EMT trainer and adjudicator for the Human and Social Services. He also worked as a life insurance agent, a crossing guard for Randall Elementary School in Madison, and as a consultant for Cress Funeral Services until his retirement in 2007. He also provided Par Mar security at UW games.

Paul adored his home life, and shared laughter and travel with his wife and children. He and Judy engaged in politics, and he served many years as a Madison election official and as well as head usher at their church, Luther Memorial. Paul had an appreciation for nature, which he instilled in his children. He enjoyed time in his backyard garden, and was avid bird watcher; he also built birdhouses and monitored bluebird houses at St. Benedict’s Church. He was an accomplished oil painter and enjoyed photography, and music. He liked time in the kitchen making pancakes or Sunday pot roast, and baking pies and Swiss cookies.

Later in life, he never missed visits with his wife, Judy, who was incapacitated for seven years in the New Glarus nursing home. After her passing in 2015, Paul moved to Drumlin Reserve Assisted Living in Cottage Grove. Special thanks to the caring staff at Drumlin Reserve Assisted Living and Drumlin Reserve Memory Care in Cottage Grove for their appreciation of Paul and exceptional care. Thanks also to Brighton Hospice for bringing him comfort in his final days.

Paul was privileged to go on a Badger Honor Flight from Madison to Washington D.C. in September 2018 with his brother, Herbert.

Paul is survived by his son Michael (Tonia) Baumgartner, Madison; his daughter Heidi (Christian) Baumgartner Bonnaffon and their daughter, Amelia Judith Bonnaffon, Falls Church, VA; his brother, Herbert (Patricia) Baumgartner, Gratiot, WI; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Paul was preceded in death by his wife Judith and his sister Mardelle.

A service will be held Sunday, November 7, 2021, at Luther Memorial Church, 1021 University Avenue, Madison. Visitation will begin at 2:30 p.m., and service will be at 3:30. Pastor Rebecca Ninke will officiate. Paul will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery the following day. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or North American Bluebird Society.