David Michael "Dave" Baumgardner

David (Dave) Michael Baumgardner was welcomed by the Lord on March 10, 2026, after a short but aggressive illness. He was born on March 30, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, to Floyd

'Bud" and Geraldine (Raschke) Baumgardner. As the fifth of six siblings, he was raised with strong family values of faith, hard work, and family devotion, qualities that guided him throughout his life. Dave was a kind and gentle soul. A person anyone would treasure as a friend, a "go-to" guy, who always offered the gift of time, a favor, or a hand-up, whether it was for family, friends or neighbors.

Dave attended St. Mary of Redford Elementary and High Schools, graduating in 1974. He dabbled in courses at Wayne State University, never selecting an area of study, likely due to his interest in a wide range of and diverse subjects. He settled into the workforce as a Maintenance Technician, spending many years first at the old Mt. Carmel Hospital, and then St. Paul of the Cross Retreat House, eventually retiring from the Redford Union School District. Managers and employees recognized Dave as responsible, dependable and trustworthy, relying on Dave to "put out fires" and troubleshoot issues - most often on weekends.

Dave was quirky, unconventional and somewhat eccentric; a solitary, quiet and intensely private person; unpretentious, reflective, humble, and stoic. A man of quiet integrity.

He was a Civil War buff, and could describe nearly every battle, even the less well known ones. As an armchair Jeopardy champion, his nephews often quipped, "Uncle Dave would know that." He was a trivia champ extraordinaire; one always wanted Dave on their trivia team. As a staunch Detroit Tigers fan, he always rooted the team on, whether they were winning or losing. He described it as his "morbid curiosity." Yet, Dave was delighted in the Tigers' 1968, and again in 1974 with the Tigers' World Series wins. A true animal lover - domestic and wild - Dave rescued many lost, injured or abandoned creatures: abandoned kittens, a wounded pigeon, or baby birds fallen from the nest. But, dogs were his favorite. He was the "dog guy." He often carried dog treats on the happenstance he might run into a dog - he liked them all, and the feeling was mutual. He grieved the loss of Scooter, his favorite. His favorite quips were, "Sounds like a plan," and "Get a job!" If you knew Dave, you knew exactly what he meant. He often offered up some great one-liners.

During the early summer months, Dave and his three sisters trekked through four local cemeteries, cleaning the graves sites of deceased family members, a total of 30+. He was always the first to get on his knees to start this arduous task. The annual grave-cleaning became a time of reminiscing and sibling bonding - and good laughs - in all places, a cemetery. When his dad, mom and sister's (Nancy) birthdays rolled around, Dave was right there with flowers to honor their birthdays and their memory.

As the family bachelor, Dave spent lots of time with his siblings. Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and summer pool parties were usually spent with his oldest sister, Marilyn and her family. Lots of laughter, lots of food, and lots of leftovers (for Dave's doggie bag).

Sharing a very close sibling relationship with his other older sister, Cindy, Dave traveled extensively with Cindy and her family: Gettysburg, Alaska, Germany, Ireland, Washington, D.C. and NYC, to name a few. A travel group always looking for the next adventure or road trip. During his trips to Colorado, Cindy's home, he took on the role of BBQ chef. When the mood hit, Dave and his brother-in-law entertained the rest with Three Stooges antics.

Dave usually spent St. Patrick's Day and Christmas Day with his big brother, Al and his family. Over corned beef dinners or Christmas ham, prepared by Al, the master chef, they reminisced about their boyhood: fishing outings and the rifle range with their dad. Or, the bike trip they made to Michigan's thumb in their early teens.

His youngest sister, Jan, gently pestered him about his health. Dave graciously invited her into his home as Jan made a life transition. Her kids loved Uncle Dave: goofying around with him and his silliness. She recalled memories from their youth: water balloon fights, "pickle" with all the kids in the neighborhood, and other invented games.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Geraldine, sister, Nancy, brother-in-Law, William J. Miller, and nephew, Justin D. Miller. He is survived by his siblings, Marilyn O' Brien (Norman), Cindy Miller, Alan (Patricia) and Janice Maier. Dave is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews.

Dave's gentle spirit, family devotion and selfless heart will be remembered by those who knew him. He will be sorely missed and forever remembered,

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dave's name to

Almost Home-NO KILL Rescue

almosthomeanimals.org

P.O. 250602

West Bloomfield, MI 48325

(248) 200-2695

John Paul Hospice

johnpaulhomecare.com

30800 Telegraph Road, Suite 3700

Bingham Farms, MI 48025

Toll-Free: 866.423.6552

Local: 248.731.7457

Fax: 248.731.7562

• A.R.K. (Association to Rescue Critters), [wildlife rescue and rehab]

areritters.org

3878S Maple Valley Rd

Saint Helen, MI, 48656

(989) 389-3305