Baumgartner, David (1885-1949)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1949 Apr 14 p. 5

Birth date: 1885 Jul 24

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1949 May 5 p. 3

text of obituary:

DAVID BAUMGARTNER

David Baumgartner, son of Abraham and Barbara Gerber Baumgartner, was born on a farm northeast of Halstead on July 24, 1885. After a lingering illness he departed this life on Sunday evening, April 10, 1949. David spent his entire life in the Halstead community, residing on the farm until three years ago when he, with his sisters, Bertha and Jennie, moved to their present residence in Halstead.

He felt his physical handicap keenly, yet his life was one of radiant cheer and good will; never did he utter a complaint at what might have been considered an injustice to him in life. A warm handclasp or a cheery wave of the hand was his familiar greeting to his many friends.

With all his physical shortcomings, David lived a rather long and successful life. He took pride in doing things well, raised good crops, was kind to animals, loved children and was loyal to his real friends. His apparent gruffness at times was due to either physical suffering or someone playing the game unfair. All in all, he had a healthy philosophy of life and lived the best he could.

On May 22, 1921, he was baptized by the Rev. J. E. Amstutz and received into the membership of the First Mennonite church of Halstead, where he remained a faithful and devoted member until his death.

Preceding him were his father and mother; four brothers, Walter, John, Edwin and Simon; and one sister, Mrs. August (Caroline) Hahn. Surviving him are his sisters, Jennie and Bertha of the home, Mrs. Harold (Rachel) Barnjum, and Mrs. Adam (Rose) Fehr, both of Halstead, Mrs. T. A. (Elizabeth) Corfman of Colorado Springs; and the brothers, Wm. J. of Lawrence, Kansas and Milton of Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Memorial services were conducted from the First Mennonite church of Halstead on Wednesday afternoon, April 13, 1949 at 2:30 o’clock with the pastor, Rev. L. A. Habegger, and Rev. H. T. Unruh from Hillsboro, officiating. J. H. Mueller, Waldo Mueller, L. A. Habegger and Dan Krehbiel sang "Now The Day is Over" and “Take Thou My Hand, O Father.” Mrs. Ruth Rose was the organist and accompanist. Bearers were nephews of Mr. Baumgartner. There were; Clarence Baumgartner, Lauren Baumgartner, Jack Harbour, Edwin Hahn, Albert Hahn and Marion Stutzman.

He was laid to rest in the Halstead cemetery with the Kaufman Funeral Home in charge of funeral arrangements.