Photo courtesy of Hermann Funeral Home - Stockton
Jan 19, 1941 - Oct 1, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Marilyne Monigold
October 08, 2025 | Southlake, TX | Family
Dear Faline and children, my heart and prayers are with you always. My faith tells me that Gene will live through each of you as you meet the new day. The love you all share will continue to grow and serve to fulfill his dreams and legacy.
Some of my favorite memories are of growing up with all of you. While Gene is actually a first cousin, I always looked to him as more of an Uncle. The sixteen years that separated our age fostered a lasting bond and mentorship. You couldn’t ask for...
Gary Peifer
October 05, 2025 | Seabeck, WA | Family
A wonderful caring man. A great sense of humor.
Mary Bushey (Thrasher)
October 04, 2025 | Freeport, IL | Coworker
Grandpa was always cracking jokes. He would say anything to make people smile. In his last years / months, he made sure we knew how much he loved us. He loved to see his great grand babies. I will never forget the little lessons he would tell us casually. He was a very wise and loving man.
He will be very missed. But I'm greatful he's not in pain anymore.
Allie Baumgartner
October 04, 2025 | Freeport, IL | Grandchild
Gene was genuinely a friend to everyone that me him. My husband and I worked with Gene at Kolb Lena Cheese, Gene made those extremely long days a lot easier to handle with his gift to make you laugh !! He was such a hard worker and loved his family dearly, he spoke of them often. Always willing to help you without a second thought, never complaining just ready with a helping hand. Russell and I enjoyed the parties outside on the farm in the summer. I was able to visit with all the animals....
Karen & Russell Kruzinski
October 03, 2025 | Nora, IL | Coworker
your family are in my prayers so sorry for your loss
Darlene Endress
October 03, 2025 | PEARL CITY, IL
Eugene R. “Bummy” Baumgartner, 84, of Pearl City, IL passed away Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at FHN Hospital in Freeport. He was born January 19, 1941 in Freeport, IL to the late Robert and Gladys (Peifer) Baumgartner. Eugene married Faline Reiter on October 21, 1962.
Eugene was a 1959 graduate of Pearl City High School. He was involved in FFA and received the State Farmer Degree his senior year. He was active in all sports and activities in high school and also played and coached summer baseball and softball leagues. He was an avid Cubs, Bears and Bulls fan and was overjoyed to see the Cubs World Series victory in 2016.
He and Faline enjoyed several trips through the Farm Bureau and banks that took them to Branson, Alaska and the Caribbean, among other places. He always cherished the times spent with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Faline Baumgartner of Pearl City; his daughter, Deb (Jerry) Siegmeier of Pearl City; his sons, Tim (Mary) Baumgartner of Pecatonica, and Kevin (Tasha Dyson) of Pearl City; his daughter-in-law, Sue Baumgartner of Freeport; his sisters, Mary (Norm) Brinkmeier of Lanark and Linda (Darius) Janssen of West Point, IA; his brother-in-law, Dennis Roelke of Prairie Du Sac, WI; his grandchildren, Keri (Dan Knautz) Kluck, Kelsie Kluck, Cody (Sophia Gibson) Kluck, Tara (Dean) Adams, Chase (Amber) Baumgartner, Austin (Britney) Baumgartner, Grahm (Courtney) Rademaker, Grayce (Seth) Gale, Allie (Justin Bardell) Baumgartner, Andrea (Logan) Kuntz and Amber (Pavel Shouse) Baumgartner; his 13 great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Curt Baumgartner; his in-laws, Rodney and Zelda Reiter; his sisters, Pat Hess and Carlene Roelke; his brother-in-law, Jim Hess; and his nephews, Andrew and Michael Roelke.
Services will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Zion Community Church in Pearl City with a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Highland Cemetery in Pearl City. The family requests casual attire. A memorial fund has been established.
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