Frank E. Baumgartner

Frank E. Baumgartner, 72, of Plainville, IL, passed away at 8:11 pm Thursday, May 5, 2022.

A Funeral Ceremony will be at 10:00 am Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at the O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy. Rev. Steve Disseler will officiate. Burial will follow at Payson New Cemetery in Payson, IL.

Friends and Family are invited to Frank's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be Tuesday, May 10, 2022, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy.

Frank was born February 10, 1950, in Quincy, IL to Edward Lewis and Thelma Elizabeth (Schafer) Baumgartner. He was married to Diane Seward on April 21, 1979, at Payson Congregational Church in Payson, IL. She survives.

In addition to his wife, other survivors include his three sons, Cory (Whitney) Baumgartner of Quincy, IL, Craig (Jennifer) Baumgartner of Hannibal, MO, and Kyle (Rissa) Baumgartner of Quincy, IL; his twin brother, John A. (Marie) Baumgartner of Plainville, IL; and his four grandchildren, Jackson, Parker, Aubrie, and Roselynn.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his father & mother-in-law, Dick & Norma Seward; his uncle, Bill Arp; and his brother-in-law, Tom Ruths.

Frank attended St. Mary's Grade School and was a 1968 graduate of Christian Brothers High School. He later went on to complete the mechanics program at Quincy Technical School. After completing the program, Frank went to work for Chevy's old dealership in Canton, MO. Later he went to work for Ford in Quincy. Finally, he was employed by Waterkotte Construction where he worked for 33 years as a union laborer. In March of 2021, Frank received a certificate and gold card from the Laborers International Union of North America for 50 years of membership.

Frank was a member of the Payson Masonic Lodge, where he served as Master and Secretary many times. He was also a member of the Quincy Masonic High 12 Club and the Quincy Consistory, where he served as Thrice Potent Master Lodge of Perfection and Commander in Chief. Frank was a recipient of the Meritorious Service Award (M.S.A.) and the 33rd Degree Honorary Member of the Supreme Council. He served as District Deputy Grand Master of the 8th Western District and the Grand Lodge of Illinois for 44 years. He was also the District Education Officer for many years. In addition, Frank was very involved in his community. He often helped with Payson Old Settlers, where he served as Vice President under Mel Loos for many years, plus was in charge of the flea market. He was also Board Chairman of the Housing Authority of Adams County, and Election Judge for Payson Precinct #2 and the Plainville Town Hall.

Frank was a diehard Ford man and enjoyed everything that had to do with motor sports. He was a fan of NASCAR and always rooted for Bill Elliott. Frank also enjoyed watching hockey and football, especially the Cowboys and Raiders, mowing his grass and working in his garden, and putting together model trains. He loved his trains so much that they took over his entire basement! Frank absolutely loved keeping up on the news. He would tune in to all the television news broadcasts and read the newspaper front to back three times a day! This earned him the nickname "The News Monger". Frank's favorite place to be was at home with his family and grandkids; they were his everything. Other valued members of his family were his beloved pets, including the family dogs, cats, and his pet goose. He enjoyed cooking and would always start making supper before Diane got home. His favorite thing to eat was fried fish with a cold Budweiser (and a little nip of wine every now and then). He always made sure to have something sweet with every meal, which usually meant strawberry, rhubarb, or pecan pie. Every Sunday, the family looked forward to Frank making breakfast; he made pancakes so much that he had it down to a science. Above everything, family was the most important thing in Frank's life, and he cherished every moment he spent with them.

Frank was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, and often helped with the annual picnic as well as other church fundraisers.

Pallbearers will be Kerry Bross, John Grave, Tim Baumgartner, Tommy Ruths, Scott Ruths, and Jackson Baumgartner.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital or the Payson Masonic Lodge.

Online condolences may be shared, and a video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.