Herbert Matthew Baumgartner

MONROE, Wis. - Herbert Matthew Baumgartner, age 94, formally of Monroe, passed away on Sept. 15, 2023, at Noel Manor in Verona.

He was born on Dec. 25, 1928, in Milwaukee, the son of Herman and Freida (Weidman) Baumgartner. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1947 and played on the undefeated 1946 championship football team. He proudly served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany after World War II.

Herb was united in marriage to Marian Bidlingmaier on Oct. 12, 1957, in Monticello. She preceded him in death on Aug. 30, 2008.

Herb was an active member of the Zilmer-Reilly American Legion Post 84 in Monroe. "Mick and Herb" were regular fixtures at the Legion post where they enjoyed eating and serving many Friday fish fries together, along with euchre games and rounds of darts with friends.

Herb also had a passion for motor vehicles and worked with engines for his entire career. He was the owner and operator of Baumgartner Milk Hauling for more than 40 years. After "retirement," he went on to work for Monroe Truck Equipment for 20 years, delivering trucks across the country with fellow retirees.

His interest in engines extended to his hobbies. He had a love for radio-controlled models, especially airplanes. He spent countless hours in his workshop building (and rebuilding) model airplanes, followed by hours of flying. He was a member of the Monroe Radio Controlled Airplane Club and helped the club maintain its flying field.

Above all, Herb loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In 2017, Herb moved to Montreal, Wisconsin, to be close to his daughter and son-in-law, Kay and Steve Fiene, and to enjoy the northern Wisconsin environment. Herb had many wonderful neighbors in Montreal that helped keep an eye on him. After five years in northern Wisconsin, Herb moved to a senior living facility in Verona.

Herb is survived by his children, Kay (Steve) Fiene of Montreal, Keith (Juli) Baumgartner of Fitchburg, and Kris (Loyd Smith) Baumgartner of Woodruff; grandchildren, Alissa (Andrew) Witmer of Fitchburg, and Ryan (Michael Martinez) Baumgartner of Madison; and great-grandchildren, Hudson and Hayes.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marian; brother, William Baumgartner; and sister, Alice Purdy.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Sept. 28, at 11 a.m. at Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

A visitation will be held on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.