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GEORGE BAUMGARTNER Obituary
IRA (CORKEY), 85
St. Augustine - George Ira Baumgartner, age 85, of St. Augustine, passed in peace on Saturday, June 28, 2014, surrounded at home by his loving family.
He was born on August 23, 1928, in Vero Beach, Florida to Frances Sargent and Thomas R. Baumgartner. Nicknamed "Corkey" by his Uncle Buster (George) as a toddler, and affectionately used by his family and lifelong friends. Raised in North Miami, he was a resident of St. Augustine since 2007.
George graduated from Edison High School, Miami, a first string starter in football. He met the love of his life, Doris Walke, at his 16th birthday party. They were married on August 19, 1946 in Covington, KY.
He drove semis for five years for Standard Oil Co., while building his first home. Earning his Florida Certified General Contractor's License, he incorporated Baumgartner Construction in 1964, and built churches, temples, nursing homes, and FPL service centers in South Florida. He converted to the Catholic faith, 1957, "a great day in our lives", culminating in Knighthood, Order of Malta, St. Patrick's Cathedral, NYC, 1992.
Exalted Ruler of the BPOE Lodge #1835 at age 27. Elected Vice Mayor of North Miami, in 1963, followed by Florida State House of Representatives, 1968 - 1974.
Moved the family company to Gainesville in 1976, developing Emerald Woods subdivision, multiple projects at Paynes Prairie State Preserve, and Bell and Trenton High Schools, serving as President of Gainesville Homebuilders, 1981.
Retired in 1994, George and Doris enjoyed following the Gators as loyal Boosters and Scholarship Partners in their motor home, and playing golf at the Gainesville Golf and Country Club. Active member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church, George chaired the Construction and Design Committee. Joining Corpus Christi Parish, St. Augustine, in 2007, he served as Financial Secretary of Knights of Columbus through 2013.
Loving family members include: his wife and soulmate Doris Mae Walke Baumgartner; children, Kathleen (John) Kish, George Patrick, Mary (George) Grady, John (Tammi); grandchildren, Kelley Kish, Kristi (Darren) McClellan, Kari (Jason) Knoblauch, Hannah Baumgartner, George Connor Grady; great- grandchildren, Joshua, John, and Maxwell McClellan and Kathleen, Kelsey, and Julia Mae Knoblauch.
"God has been my partner along the way, always guiding every step. He has given me four children, and an outstanding wife as a steadying force in my life. God has filled our hearts with love and compassion. Thank you, Lord."
Prayer service will be held Thursday, July 3, 2014, 5:00pm, with visitation continuing until 7:30pm, at St. John's Family Funeral Home, 385 State Road 207, St. Augustine, FL 32084.
Funeral mass will be held Saturday, July 5, 2014, at 10:00am, Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 6175 Datil Pepper Road, St. Augustine, FL 32086. A reception will follow at the fellowship hall immediately following the Mass.
St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for GEORGE BAUMGARTNER
George Pat Baumgartner
August 18, 2022
God i Think of you and Miss you Daily Dad ! greatest Father in thd World ! Stock cars, trolling the Gulfstream, and spearfishing in Bimini ! Hardest worker n most Honest Man you"d ever meet !
john baumgartner
July 23, 2018
To the best pop ever, my brother and I called him Corks (short for Corky). He got me involved in football at a young age at N. Miami community center. He made it to most of my games and always encouraged me to become a better player.But more than football, I remember what He taught me about life. Your name and your reputation being the most important. So many good things he taught me and never threw in the towel when I acted the fool. I so dearly miss you Dad and will see you one day soon. You taught me to be a good, god-fearing, hard-working man and I thank you with all I have. Love, Johnny
July 23, 2014
George would sit in my office and just chat. I was in my 20`s and here was this developer taking the time to shoot the breeze. I was amazed. He treated everybody with respect. The apples don`t fall far from the tree.
Our sympathies to Doris and the family.
Dale and Robert Kaplan-Stein
Tom Robinson
July 4, 2014
My condolences to the Baumgartner Family. I had not seen George for quite a few years, but remember him as a real first class gentleman.
Nicole Martin
July 2, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Georges family. Such a sweet kind man. Nicole
The deMontmollin Family
July 1, 2014
God bless you,
George Baumgartner, and your wonderful family and for the exemplary life you lived. For that, a hearty "well done" and, as Ben Franklin said, "well done is better than well said". Your legacy will live on in your children and grandchildren and in the hearts of those like us who knew and loved you so.
July 1, 2014
To the Baumgartner family :
My sincerest sympathies for your loss of your loved one. I've only known your family for a short while but my heart is with each of you in this time of sadness. May you find comfort knowing he rests with his Lord.
Love and Peace, Peggy Summerhill
Robert J. "Bob" Lynn
Bob Lynn
July 1, 2014
George,
You left your mark on Gainesville. I personally enjoy one of your legacies everyday. My home in your development, Emerald Woods. You created large lots and you left in the trees for the neighborhood to enjoy. Thanks George. Another great job by a man of many tributes.
Linda Blondheim
July 1, 2014
My sincere condolences to Goerge's family.
Linda Blondheim
July 1, 2014
George was a close childhood friend of my parents. We got to know George and family when they moved to Gainesville. George was a remarkable person, great adviser and an example of family values.
Steve and Jane Cadwallader
Patty & Bob Harris
July 1, 2014
I have know Corky all my life and will truly miss Him and love him and will always cherish him in our heart forever
David Holewinski
July 1, 2014
George was a wonderful friend of my parents and our family, and I have fond memories of him. He was a rock-solid good man.
David Holewinski
July 1, 2014
George was a wonderful friend of my parents and our family and I have fond memories of him. A rock-solid good man.
martha mann
July 1, 2014
George we will never forget you. You were a father figure for me sister of Doris we love you Martha
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St. John's Family Funeral Home & Crematory385 SR 207, Saint Augustine, FL 32084
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