Theodore Max Baumgartner

Theodore M Baumgartner, 90, of Fort Collins, CO passed away peacefully, with his wife of 70 years by his side on December 16, 2022. He was born on July 30, 1932 in Milwaukee, WI to Otto and Rose Wagner who both died in Ted’s youth. He was adopted and lovingly raised by Mary Baumgartner. Ted married his high school sweetheart, Carol Kallas, on July 26, 1952 at Mother of Good Council Parish in Milwaukee. A 1951 graduate of Milwaukee’s Messmer High School, Ted earned an Associated degree from UWM, and later, a BS degree in Management from Cardinal Stritch College in 1986. He enjoyed a rewarding career in Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineering and Management at Harnishfeger Corp, Louis Allis Corp, Logemann Brothers, Johnson Brass and Machine Co, and Allis Chalmers Corp. With the Allis Chalmers’ bankruptcy, Ted was appointed Vice President of Operations responsible for liquidation of assets and redevelopment of the former Allis Chalmers properties into the West Allis Center, a commercial office and industrial complex. He obtained his Commercial Real Estate license and continued to manage the Allis Chalmers properties for the Whitnall Summit Company until his retirement. A lifelong sports fan, Ted played semi-pro basketball and other sports, and later had the joy of coaching his children and grandchildren. He was actively involved in his church and various civic organizations. He was a volunteer instructor for AARP Driving Program, and a proud member of the Gesangverein Concordia German singing society. Ted and Carol lived in Menomonee Falls, WI for many years, relocated to Sheboygan, WI upon Ted’s retirement, and finally settled in Fort Collins, CO in 2021. Ted’s family was his greatest love and legacy. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Baumgartner; son, Thomas (Julie) Baumgartner; and daughter, Judith (Brian) Lukach; grandsons, Timothy Baumgartner, Daniel (Jess) Baumgartner, Kevin (Sarah) Baumgartner, Stephen Lukach, and Maxwell Lukach; great-grandchildren, Elea and Tash Baumgartner, and Thea Baumgartner; and many other relatives and lifelong friends. Ted was preceded in death by his son, Richard Baumgartner; biological parents, Otto and Rose Wagner; adoptive mother, Mary Baumgartner; sister, Tillie Hebel, and foster siblings, Lawrence Baumgartner, Francis Sommer, and Margaret Wilke. A Memorial Mass will take place at 11:00 am, Friday, December 30 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fort Collins. Ted will be interred at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Sheboygan, WI. The family would like to thank the staff of Colorado Visiting Nurse Association Hospice and Palliative Care for their compassionate care. Donations may be made in Ted’s memory to the charity of your choice.

Theodore Max Baumgartner

July 30, 1932 - December 16, 2022