David J. Baumgartner

David “Dave” or “Bumsley” James Baumgartner, age 61, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 11th at Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee WI, surrounded by his loving family, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Dave was born on July 18, 1956 at Stambaugh General Hospital, son of the late Lawrence and Agnes (Wurzer) Baumgartner. He attended West Iron County Schools, graduating with the Class of 1975. Dave married the former Julie Cattani on April 11, 1995 in Jamaica. Together they raised two children, Sarah and Zach. Dave and Julie celebrated their 23rd Anniversary in April 2018. Dave was employed by Asplundh Tree Experts for over 40 years. He was a dedicated employee who loved his job and fellow co-workers, whom he considered family. Dave was legendary with his hard work and “safety first” ethics. Dave and Julie owned and operated the family beef farm on Baumgartner Road where he grew up. In his leisure time, he enjoyed reading, hunting, fishing, playing pool and spending quality time with his family and friends. He may have appeared gruff on the outside, but those who knew Dave knew he had a heart of gold. He always had a smile that would light up a room and a joke or story to go with it.  He was a selfless man with compassion for others beyond belief. Some of his most special moments were spent on hunting trips with his son Zach. He shared his love of animals with his daughter Sarah. He enjoyed horseback riding since childhood. In his last days, Dave made a point to contact many of his friends and family to let them know how much they meant to him, or that he was thinking of them that day, and just to make sure they knew he cared. Dave is survived by the loves of his life, his wife, Julie; daughter, Sarah; son, Zach all of Iron River. Also surviving are brothers, John (Barbara) and Don (Jaci), both of Iron River, and sister, Mary Hills of Hopkins, MI. He is further survived by his aunt, Lou Baumgartner, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and many special friends. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, several aunts and uncles, cousins and several very special friends. Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2018 from 10am - noon at the Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron River. Funeral services will be held at noon at the Funeral Home. Per Dave’s request, those whose lives were touched by him are invited to a celebration of his life at the Snipe Lake Pub (675 Baumgartner Road) following the services. “This is not Goodbye, but rather, until we meet again. Always remember, just one more day.” To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of David J. Baumgartner, please visit our flower store.