Dennis A. Baumgardt

Surrounded by his family, Dennis Anthony Baumgardt peacefully passed away in his home on January 16, 2009, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Dennis was born in Racine on July 13, 1938, to Richard and Blanche (nee: O’Neil) Baumgardt.

He graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in 1956. Dennis played trombone in High School and with the SC Johnson Band. He served in the United States Navy for six years, two of those years on active duty aboard the destroyer USS John Paul Jones. He was employed by J.I. Case, now CNH, for 47 ½ years in the finance area, retiring in 2004 as the Manager of Payroll Tax Reporting. He was a member of the 20-Year Club where he served as secretary and treasurer.

Dennis was a lifelong member of St. John Nepomuk Church. He was a member of the church choir, Director of the Youth Choir, taught religion classes, served as a Eucharistic Minister, served on the Catholic Association of Racine, and Parish Council.

For over 20 years he was involved with the Boy Scouts of America. He received the Silver Beaver Award along with numerous awards for his service and leadership roles. Dennis was always helping the youth through his example and leadership.

On October 15, 1960, at St John Nepomuk Church he was united in marriage to Mary Jane (Simanek) with whom he shared 48 years and five children. He had a great love for his family, and spent many happy days with them camping and sharing his love of the outdoors.

Dennis will be dearly missed by his wife Mary Jane; his children, Theresa (Daniel) Braun of Racine, Jane Thomas (friend, Brian Bautz) of Brookfield, Katherine (Alan) McCauley of Greendale, Anthony (Tanya) Baumgardt of Racine, and Beth (Jeffry) Steinbach of Mankato, Minnesota; along with twelve grandchildren, Elizabeth and James Braun, Matthew and Adam Thomas, Adalyn, Clare, and Johnathan McCauley, Margaret and Isabelle Baumgardt, Stephanie, Jacqueline, and Jesse Steinbach.

He is also survived by his sister, Mary (Paul) Riha; his brother George (Mary) Baumgardt; and sisters-in-law, Patricia Baumgardt, Lucille Simanek, Adeline Simanek, Lillian Slaasted, Sister Mary Alice Simanek, SSSF, Sister Frances Simanek, SSSF, Ruth Simanek, Marjorie (Robert) Wood and JoAnn (Claude) Wells; brothers-in-law Wencil "Jim" (Helen) Simanek, Jerome (Patricia) Simanek; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and countless friends.

In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by his brother, Raymond; step-mother Valeria Baumgardt; in-laws Joseph F. and Frances Simanek; brothers-in-law Leo Simanek, Joseph Simanek, Valerian (Larry) Simanek, Richard Simanek, Ralph Slaasted, and sister-in-law, Christine Simanek.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 21, 2009, at 11 a.m. at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, 700 English St., with Reverend Don Zerkel officiating. Entombment with full military honors will follow at Calvary Garden Crypts. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society or St. John Nepomuk Parish have been suggested.

Mary Jane and family would like to thank Dr. Steven Johnson and Dr. Michael Mullane and his entire staff for the loving and compassionate care given to Dennis. God Bless You All!

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888