James Baumgartner

James “Jim” R. Baumgartner, age 82, of Colby, passed away after a long illness on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at his home.

A memorial service will be held at noon on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Colby. Family and friends are welcome from 10 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the funeral home.

Jim was born on July 9, 1940, the son of Walter and Ella (Neuhaus) Baumgartner in the Town of Colby. He graduated from Colby High School in 1958. On July 15, 1961, Jim was united in marriage to Patricia Decker at St. Mary Catholic Church in Colby. He worked for over 43 years at Packaging Corporation of America in Colby.

Jim enjoyed shooting pool, bowling, fishing, hunting and was a fan of the Packers, Brewers, Badgers and the Colby Hornets. He especially loved his annual fishing trip to Canada with his family which spanned over 20 years. Jim also built a hunting shack in 1976 with his boys and enjoyed over 60 years of deer hunting. Most importantly, he loved and cherished his family and will be greatly missed.

Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia; five sons: Brian (Peg) of Arcadia, Brad (Diane Kollock) of Almond, Kevin (Gail) of Westboro, Kirk (Lena) of Medford and Keith (Katie) of Edgar; 16 grandchildren: Sara (Tyler) Swenson, Jackie Baumgartner, Jenna Baumgartner, Kelsey (Brad) Barneson, Derek Baumgartner, Dan Baumgartner, Olivia Baumgartner, Micah (Brooke) Baumgartner, Alec (Brianna) Baumgartner, Tyler Moretz, Logan Baumgartner, Kayla Baumgartner, Brayden Baumgartner, Brett Baumgartner, Ella Baumgartner and Brody Baumgartner, and ten great-grandchildren. He is further survived by two brothers-in-law: Larry (Diane) Decker and Ronnie Nelson; a sister-inlaw, Irene Baumgartner; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his four siblings: Donald, Lucille Nelson, Vernon (Dorothy) and Harold (Myrtle), and a sister-inlaw, Barb Mueller.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.

Paid obituary 135989