June 5, 2012 // Local

Deacon Paul Baumgartner dies

Todays Catholic

SOUTH BEND — Deacon Paul Eugene Baumgartner of South Bend, died on May 24. He was 84. Born in South Bend, on Feb. 8, 1928, Deacon Baumgartner was son of the late William and Mary (Humphrey) Baumgartner of Rolling Prairie. He married Donnabelle Jean in July of 1949, and together they raised five children, including Sharon Reimann, Linda Baumgartner, JoAnn Baumgartner, Judy Kuspa and Paul T. Baumgartner. They have 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Deacon Baumgartner resided in South Bend where he graduated from Central High School in 1948. At 19 he became a journeyman carpenter and skilled mason. He was a contributor to the construction of the Notre Dame Grotto.

Deacon Baumgartner was ordained as deacon of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend on Aug. 30, 1975. He was assigned to St. Augustine Parish. Deacon Baumgartner was able to make two pilgrimages to Medjugorje, to the Oratory of St. Joseph and several trips with the Bernie Barth retreat group.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on May 29 at St. Joseph Parish in South Bend.