John M Baumgartner

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Passed in peace Wednesday, September 18, 2019 in the presence of his children at the age of 71. Loving father of Jane, Peter (Anne), Rebecca (Henry) Herrera. Proud grandfather of Isaac Herrera. Further survived by brothers Thomas (Dorothy), Jerome (Sharon), and David (Mary Ellen), former spouse and mother of his children, Constance Finnigan, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. John will fondly be remembered by family and friends as a devoted father, loyal friend, proud U.S. Army Veteran, accomplished craftsman, and quick-witted character.

John was born to Thomas and Anna Baumgartner in 1948 and grew up on Laclede Avenue, which is now part of the St. Louis University Campus. He attended St. Francis Xavier through 8th grade and, from there, graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1966. John joined the U.S. Army in June of 1969, was fortunate to be stationed in the states during this Vietnam era, and operated a printing press at the barracks. After discharge in 1971, he attended college at University of Missouri-St. Louis, Ranken Technical and, to the surprise of many, applied and was accepted into the Metropolitan St. Louis Police Academy. John served as a police officer for the City of St. Louis from 1974-1979. He was especially proud that his son, Pete, who has been with the Clayton Police Department since 2006, chose a similar path.

In 1975, John married Constance Simokaitis. They raised three children, Jane (39), Pete (35), and Rebecca (32) in the South Hampton neighborhood of St. Louis while he and his brother, Jerry, ran the family business, Tomcraft Company. After John and Connie divorced in 1999, John worked for several companies including HDA Architects and Habitat for Humanity, both as a project manager. As he approached retirement, he returned to St. Mary Magdalen, where his children attended school and where he was an active parishioner for many years. This time, he served as Head of Maintenance for the property, which included church and school buildings and grounds. John passed the baton to another parishioner when he officially retired in 2014.

John’s world revolved around helping his kids in any way he could. This started when they were young as he picked up/dropped off every day to school, to practices, and other obligations. Later in life, he was “happily” on-call for various home projects and other important items that required fixing and/or remodeling. John was a master craftsman and could create, fix or build anything. He was a true artisan who could envision and execute any idea using a variety of mediums. Some of his noteworthy projects include: a complete 2-story room addition, an oversized 2-car garage, complete deck remodel and pool installation, two grandfather clocks, a rolltop desk, two armoires, an entire basement-into-workshop conversion, a complete kitchen remodel, a custom basement dog shower, and finally, an expansive train display for his first grandson, Isaac. There are so many more, too numerous to mention.

John had a gratifying life that was full of service, love, and memorable experiences. Although cut short sooner than hoped, he was able to see two of his children get married as well as the birth and first year of his grandchild. He will be sorely missed, greatly admired, and tremendously loved by all who knew him.

Services to be held Friday, October 4, 2019

St. Mary Magdalen Church in South St. Louis.

Memorial Gathering beginning at 10 a.m.

Mass at 11 a.m.

Committal 1 p.m. to follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery

Donations appreciated to St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in St. Louis

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2 Comments

  1. Susan Miklovic on October 1, 2019 at 12:06 pm

    John was a loving and devoted father. He was so proud of the fine adults his children have become. John enjoyed the weekly, or more often, meals he enjoyed with his brothers. He was also a loyal friend. John will be missed.



  2. Jane Baumgartner on November 2, 2019 at 4:36 pm

    Thinking of you every day, Dad. Wondering how this all could’ve happened and how we are all here now without you. Your kids and grandson miss you very much



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