George Francis Baumgardt

George Francis Baumgardt, 73, passed away peacefully after a brief hospitalization on February 1, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mary (nee: Braun) Baumgardt; children: Gretchen, Erika (Peter) Slater, Richard, George T. (Melanie), and Gregory (Tiffany); and grandchildren: Paige, Hunter, and Peyton Slater; Logan, Kamrynn, Tyson, and Jordan Baumgardt; and Cashel and Daire Baumgardt; sister, Mary (Paul) Riha; in-laws, Mary Jane Baumgardt, Patricia Baumgardt; John (MaryJane) Braun, Joseph Braun, Dave (Paula) Braun; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

George was born in Racine, WI, on April 23, 1950, to Richard and Blanche (nee: O'Neil) Baumgardt. He graduated from St. Catherine's High School in 1968. On August 3, 1974, he was united in marriage to Mary, and he earned a degree in Music Education from UW-Parkside that same year. In 2009, he graduated with an M.A. in Lay Ministries, with a focus on Liturgy and Music, from Cardinal Stritch University.

George was known to his family for: taking weeklong, Griswold-style road trips across the country to see the National Parks with all five kids - and his mother-in-law - in tow; shouting (kindly) from the kitchen, “B flat! F sharp!” as his kids practiced their piano lessons in the living room; playing endless tunes (in multiple keys) off the top of his head during holidays and church choir parties; being a wee bit competitive at cribbage, sheepshead, and Scrabble; enjoying a good Bombay Sapphire gin; solving the daily crossword puzzle; offering very long prayers before special family meals; bragging about his kids, much to their chagrin; cheering loudly at his grandkids’ games and being a good sport to a family full of characters.

Music and life were synonymous for George. Beginning as a church organist at age 15, he served his faith community through his 50+ years of music ministry. He loved his role as Director of Music and Liturgy, first at St. Paul the Apostle and then Sacred Heart Catholic Church, which included international choir trips to Italy, Germany, Austria, France, and Ireland. After retiring in 2020, George, along with his wife, Mary, and mutual friend, Laura, created a community choir: Spirit of Racine Music Makers. Just prior to his hospitalization, he was looking forward to returning to ministry as the new music director at St. Edward Catholic Church.

George also served the broader Racine community on various boards through his “day job” at the bank. He worked his way up from bank teller to 1st Vice President and Business Development Director, retiring in 2012 after 43 years in the industry. He was named Banker of the Year several times by the Racine County Economic Development Corporation.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his brothers, Raymond and Dennis; in-laws, Joseph and Margaret Braun; and sister-in-law, Jeannette Braun.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff in the ICU at Ascension All Saints Hospital for the compassionate way they used medicines, interventions, and therapies to support George in his final days. He left this physical earth at 3:11 p.m., and shortly after, his son, Richard, came across this consoling passage from Ecclesiastes 3:11: “God has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

Visitation will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2201 Northwestern Ave., Racine, WI, on Friday, February 9, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m.

The service will be livestreamed, and may be viewed at https://youtube.com/live/YOHRTY-qeK8?feature=share.

Spirit of Racine Music Makers has established the George F. Baumgardt Memorial Music Scholarship at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, where George earned his music degree. The scholarship will benefit music students who attend Parkside. To contribute, the donation should be made paid to the UW-Parkside Foundation. The memo should have the name of the scholarship: George F. Baumgardt Memorial Music Scholarship and sent to:University of Wisconsin-Parkside Foundation 900 Wood Rd Kenosha WI 53144 https://www.uwp.edu/giving/donate.cfm