John Andrew Baumgartner

John Andrew Baumgartner, 76, of Plainville, passed away Thursday, February 12, 2026, near his home in Plainville, IL.

John was born February 10, 1950, in Quincy, IL to Edward and Thelma (Schafer) Baumgartner. John's love story began when he married his high school sweetheart, Marie Huber, on January 22, 1972. Together, they built a life filled with joy, laughter, and an ever-growing family.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marie Baumgartner of Plainville; his four children, Timothy Baumgartner (Susan), Tracy Genenbacher (Marvin), Carrie Rice (Steve), and Carmen Baumgartner; his nine grandchildren, David (Ashia Wood), Isaac (Brilyn Lantz), Elijah, Agnes, Iris, Ella, Ana, and Abram, and Kash; and one great-grandchild, Archer, along with a bonus one, Connor. He also leaves behind a sister-in-law, Diane Baumgartner and a close family friend, Jan Wassam. John was preceded in death by his parents and his twin brother, Frank Edward Baumgartner.

After graduating from Christian Brothers High School in 1968, he pursued higher education at Black Hawk College in Kewanee, Illinois. His professional life was as diverse as it was distinguished; he managed and partly owned Sandy's in Pittsfield before taking the helm at A&W in Quincy. His entrepreneurial spirit later led him to acquire Baron's Restaurant, which he ran with the same passion and dedication for many years, including 17 as the owner. After retiring from the restaurant business he enjoyed working at Ron Snider Auto Sales. In his later years, John's caring nature inspired a career change, and he became a Certified Nursing Assistant after studying at JWCC, providing compassionate care at the Illinois Veterans' Home. Even in retirement, John continued to serve his community, working at Payson Schools and tending to his neighbor's sheep.

A man of deep faith, John was an active member of the Rock Church, serving on it's board. He also served on the board at WGCA and was a member of the Great River Restaurant Association. His spiritual journey was enriched by his involvement with Cursillo, TEC, Quest, and REC. John's love for the Lord was evident in his daily life and in the way he cherished reading his Bible.

John's interests were as varied as they were heartfelt. John loved the country life. He had a green thumb, nurturing his plants, flowers, and trees with great care. An avid player of Euchre and Scrabble, he also had a profound love for animals, caring for his dogs, farm cats, chickens, horses and sheep with tenderness. He enjoyed traveling, taking memorable extended family trips to Niagara Falls, Mexico, Texas, Florida, Kentucky, Colorado, and many more.

Above all, John was a people person. He never met a stranger and could connect with anyone, regardless of age. Known for his warm hugs and expressive hand gestures, John was a fixture at his grandchildren's events, cheering them on with enthusiasm and pride. His constant presence at Payson Seymour and Central High School games was so spirited that he was honored with the super fan award at Central High School. John was a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and left a mark on the hearts of those he touched, and he will be deeply missed.

Friends and Family are invited to John's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, IL. A second visitation will be Thursday, February 26, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A Funeral Ceremony will be at 11:00 am Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy. Burial will be at Payson New Cemetery in Payson, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to the John Baumgartner Memorial fund.