Kenneth B Baumgartner - 86
4/21/1924 - 12/6/2010

Walnut - Kenneth B. Baumgartner, age 86 of Ohio, Illinois passed away peacefully Monday, December 6, 2010 at Walnut Manor Nursing Home in Walnut, Illinois with his family at his bedside.

Kenneth was born on April 21, 1924 the son of Howard and Esther (King) Baumgartner who lived in Henpeck, Walnut, Illinois. He was united in marriage to Jerria Shearer of on March 23, 1946 in Tampico, Illinois.

Kenneth was drafted out of high school into the United States Army to serve his country during World War II. His tour of duty took him around the world. It started in Cheyenne, Wyoming fighting forest fires, and led him across the ocean by ship to the China-Burma-India Theatre, where he served the rest of his tour.

Kenneth returned home, married his childhood sweetheart, and they built their first home in Walnut, Illinois. There he began working at Gonigam Bass Hill as a mechanic and then moved on to farming. He farmed in the Harmon, Tampico, and Ohio areas during his lifetime. Eventually becoming the sixth generation to own the Baumgartner family farm. He retired from farming and turned to fun traveling and camping in their motor home.

He was a member of the Ohio United Methodist Church, the Walnut American Legion, the Swinging Stars Square Dancing Club, and enjoyed spending time with their family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Jerria; two daughters Linda (Darrel) Lauritzen of Henry, Illinois, Brenda (David) Frazier of Ohio, Illinois; one son Kevin (Jennifer) Baumgartner of Princeton, Illinois; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren;
Two brothers Leslie (Peggy) Baumgartner of Walnut, Illinois; Virden (Barbara) Baumgartner of Princeton, Illinois; one sister Jane (Wayne) Harris of Walnut, Illinois; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law Darrel Lauritzen.

His visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 8th from 5 to 8 PM. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 9 at 10 AM at Garland Funeral Home, Walnut, with Rev. Brian Moore, pastor of First Christian Church Walnut officiating. Burial will be at Elm Lawn Cemetery in Princeton, Illinois.

A MEMORIAL HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED IN HIS MEMORY TO OHIO AND WALNUT FIRE DEPARTMENTS.

Condolences may be sent to www.garlandfuneralhome.com.