Donald Baumgartner

Donald Baumgartner was an accomplished man in all the ways it mattered most. He was a skilled leader of people and a superb husband, father and grandfather. In cultivating relationships at work or in the community, Don never met a person he didn’t like and who didn’t like him. His life was an example of dedication and trustworthiness, and throughout his days and even in his dying, he showed others what it meant to “walk the walk and talk the talk.”

Donald was born to Arthur and Freida (Koski) Baumgartner on July 28, 1924 in Saginaw, Michigan. He and his siblings grew up secure in the love of their parents and were a very close-knit family. Like others born in the same decade, Donald came of age during the Depression and met the challenges of war that numbered him among those who have been called “The Greatest Generation.”

Growing up, Don worked in his dad’s store, the first of many responsible positions he would hold throughout his lifetime. He attended Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw, and at the young age of 18 was drafted into the U.S. Army. He trained as a medic and served as a military policeman in France during WWII from 1943-1946. His experiences taught him the love of country, and he passed that same honor and respect to generations after him.

Upon his discharge from the military, Don enrolled at Albion College in Albion, Michigan. His ample leadership skills were recognized by his peers when he was elected president of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Psychology and was soon launched into the world of business and management. Beginning in 1950, Don was employed as a manager for the Kmart Corporation, a role he would retain his entire career until retiring in 1986.

The summer of 1950 was eventful for another reason. A lovely young woman named Phyllis Jarrel was working at the S.S. Kresge store in Wyandotte, Michigan when she first saw tall, handsome Donald standing on a ladder hanging decorations. She told a co-worker that Don was the man she would marry someday, and from that moment on, he was her “Hon.”

It was nine months after their first meeting that Don asked Phyllis on a date, but their romance quickly blossomed. They made plans to marry and sealed their commitment on May 31, 1952 in a wedding ceremony in Wyandotte. The newlyweds spent their honeymoon in Florida, but with two weeks in the sun, they both were so burned it was somewhat difficult for them to enjoy their trip. Still, it was the beginning of a wonderful life together.

With his job, Don was required to move frequently, and he managed stores in Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan and Illinois. He was instrumental in opening the first Kmart in the Kankakee, Illinois area in 1969. As a loyal employee and trusted manager, Don was hard working and honest, holding to the highest moral standards. He always had a positive attitude, encouraging others to be their best, and as a result, everyone lovingly called him “Mr. B.”

Don’s leadership was also recognized in the church where he was a member for 45 years: Aroma Park United Methodist Church. From his permanent back row seat, he welcomed members and visitors alike, ushering them into worship and the community of faith. He was a trustee and church council member, a participant in the Methodist Men’s group, and a self-proclaimed “groupy” of the church band, “Crazy Horse Bunch.”

Don brought his faith home with him when he gathered his family around a meal or holiday celebration and said a prayer as he sat at the head of the table. He “set the bar high” for his children, giving them an example of a loving, faithful spouse.

Among their many childhood memories, Don’s children marked several that were characteristic of his enthusiasm for life. Together, he and his son planted evergreens and over 100 apple trees. The family went on vacations to Michigan and were especially fond of water skiing at Uncle Melv’s while Dad drove the boat. The three kids knew their parents were proud of their college pursuits and felt encouraged in their life choices. At one point, Dad and Mom traveled to Europe when their oldest daughter was in Germany. Yet it was the down home, every day activities that will not be forgotten: Dad making oatmeal in the morning before school, getting the mower ready in the spring, setting up camp in the blue tent, making an ice skating rink in the backyard, taking them all to Disney World, eating out and taking them for ice cream. It’s no wonder Don’s children grew up saying, “We all got our heart and height from our Papa.”

When the kids grew up and had children of their own, Don thrilled at being a grandfather. All the grandchildren loved riding bikes with him around the neighborhood, and he taught them how to play ping pong. Being a golf enthusiast, he taught his grandson everything there was to know about the game, and being a patient grandpa, Don played Mouse Trap with all the grandkids…as many times as needed. In his basement workshop, he showed them how he made birdhouses. So zealous was he to provide for his birds, Don had no problem getting out his BB gun to scare away the menacing cats.

Don was a “Faithful Fan” to all his grandchildren, attending as many school events as possible and cheering them on. He and Phyllis always had the best Easter Egg hunt in their back yard, and being protective of the youngest grandkids, Don always said, “If you can see the eggs, they are not for you, they are for the little kids.” Best of all were the sleepovers at Nanny and Papa’s. They never made the kids feel like they were a nuisance; rather, they loved to spend time with their grandchildren and great grandchildren. They all were shining lights in Don’s life. That’s why he was devastated when his first born grandson was killed at the age of 4 in a car accident on his way to pre-school. With Don’s passing on January 23, 2011, he is surly rejoicing in heaven to be reunited with his beloved Daniel.

During his recent illness, Don’s hospital bed had been placed in front of the picture window so he could watch the birds and squirrels in the evergreen tree. Several weeks before he died, there were always four or five red cardinals in the tree—a delight and comfort for Don. Then on Saturday, January 22, 2011, he told his family he was going to heaven that day. It was the following morning that Donald went to heaven, at the very time he would have left to go to church. In comfort and peace, Don’s family knows that he is with God.

Donald A. Baumgartner, of Kankakee, Illinois, passed away at Riverside Medical Center at the age of 86. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis of Kankakee; daughters Diane (Dan) Jensen of Chebanse and Deena (Val) Layton of Chebanse; son Dale (Carol)Baumgartner of Taylorville, IL; grandchildren Jessica (Ryan) Arnstrom of New Lenox, David (Christina) Baumgartner of Edwardsville, Sarah Jeck of Kankakee, Jonathan Baumgartner of Champaign, Christopher Bauer of Chebanse, Emma Boicken of Chebanse and Stephanie Layton of Carbondale; great grandchildren Mason Arnstrom, Adalyn Arnstrom, Dillon Jeck and Lilah Jeck; sister Ruth Fillion of Saginaw, Michigan; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Len (Barbara) Jarrell of Michigan, Bob (Nancy) Jarrell of Michigan and Tom (Linda) Jarrell of Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, mother in law and father in law Leonard and Alva Jarrell, brother Melvin (Geraldine) Baumgartner, grandson Daniel Baumgartner and a brother-in-law Stan Fillion.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 28, 2011 at the Kankakee Chapel of Schreffler Funeral Homes at 11:00 AM with Pastor Jim Williams officiating. Interment at Kankakee Memorial Gardens. A time for friends and family to gather will be held at the Kankakee Chapel of Schreffler Funeral Homes, Thursday, January 27, 2011 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. Memorials: Family Wishes.To read Donald's complete lifestory, download a photo, share a memory or watch his DVD, please go to Lifestorynet.com.