Robert “Bob” Wesley Baumgartner, 86, went to be with the Lord on Nov. 12, 2022, at Newton Medical Center with his family by his side. Bob was born July 6, 1936, in Elbing, the son of Harold and Mildred Baumgartner. He graduated from Newton High School and retired from Boeing after 40 years of service
He married Bonnie Smith on May 14, 1954, in Newton. They shared over 68 years of marriage. He was a dedicated long-time member of Westside Freewill Baptist Church in Wichita, where he taught Sunday School and ministered to others for years.
Bob is survived by his wife, Bonnie; sister, Cathy Hirsch; daughter, Lorri Fortna; sons, Bobby and Paul Baumgartner; grandchildren, Jeremy and Sara Moore, Shelly Riemann, Jessica Moore, Jordan and Marlowe Baumgartner, Leslie Moore and Adam Fortna. He also is survived by 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his daughters, Rita Baumgartner and Rhonda Roberts; brothers, Butch and Leslie Baumgartner; sister, Harriet Baumgartner; and great-granddaughter, Amber Ewertz.
There was a Celebration of Life service at 6 p.m. Jan. 7 at Cross Point Free Will Baptist Church in Wichita. Donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on behalf of Bob.
