Roger David Baumgartner

Roger D. Baumgartner, D.D.S., 92, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully Monday, January 27, 2025.
Roger cherished his beloved wife of 66 years, Ann Baumgartner and his children: Kellie Baumgartner-Paredes, Kerry (Ronald) Baumgartner-Hammer, Jon (Janay), Paula, Amy (Randy) Pongratz and Jay (Jennifer) and his 11 grandchildren; brother, Allen Baumgartner and his two children; and a host of cousins. He was preceded in death by his adored daughters Marion and Jennifer (survived by Brian) Vance, foster-daughter Barbara (survived by Lin) Zelinskey, son-in-law Mario Paredes, and sister-in-law Eileen Baumgartner.
A life-long resident of Minnesota and having grown up on a small family farm, Roger graduated from St. Mary's High School in Bird Island, attended The University of St. Thomas (as now known), and received his D.D.S. from the University of Minnesota. "Doc" practiced dentistry in Olivia for over 40 years and proudly served as a clinical professor at the University of Minnesota's Dental School into his early 80s. He boarded and mentored dental students through the dental school's former summer internship program. Additionally, he and his dental practice served in state-run health outreach programs for the surrounding seasonal agricultural migrant community near Olivia. He also quietly served elderly community members who were in pain with pro bono emergency dental work.
Roger and Ann especially loved good food and sharing it with family and friends over lively conversation. Aside from welcoming seconds on dessert, he had an incurable sweet tooth, and a particular affinity for chocolate. Roger was well known in the community as he served on the school board for the Olivia Public School system, attended and participated in community theater, enjoyed light summer evenings with friends at the local golf course, hosted foreign exchange students, and cheered on his kids in education and at school events. He faithfully attended, sang in choirs, and served his local churches. Roger appreciated opportunities to share a lunch or dinner with friends at their congregations' social functions. He loved a house full of family, always grateful for the company, and ever proud of all his kids and grandkids. He was a tough old bird, but he will be remembered for his work ethic, bright eyes, beaming smile, and loud laughter.
The family welcomes visitors for funeral services at 11:00 a.m., March 7, at Church of St. Patrick, 6820 St. Patrick's Lane, Edina, MN 55439, with visitation one-hour prior (10:00 a.m.) at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made either by check to University of Minnesota Foundation, PO Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN, 55486 - noting in the memo "the Dental School Student and Scholarship Program," or online for dental student scholarship or for student emergency support at https://makingagift.umn.edu/give/fund.html?id=7750, or https://makingagift.umn.edu/give/fund.html?id=23498, in honor of Dr. Roger D. Baumgartner.