It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our loving father John Jacob Baumgartner. He passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2016. A proud soldier, he served his country in the Army Air Force in Japan during WWII. He met the love of his life, our mom Christine, at a dance in Dayton, WI. Mom extended her hand to Dad for their first dance. A dance that lasted 66 years. With Mom's passing on December 19, 2010 the dance was interrupted. Dad is now with "his Christine" and the dance continues.

He was born on August 7, 1921 in Paoli, WI to Adam and Kathryn (Klassy) Baumgartner. He was so proud to be Swiss. Because his formal education ended at eighth grade he did not know the genius within himself. Those of us around him did. We all sought his help when something needed to be fixed or built.

His genius extended to his character and integrity…always paid his way, never took advantage of people, played by the rules. He was priceless and a rare gem. Our John, had "the right stuff".

Thank you to the staff members at Forest View at Skaalen who cared for him with love and affection. You became part of his family. You gave him smiles when we could not be there. Thank you!

Meriter Hospital, Heart and Vascular Unit, gave Dad and us everything we needed for this journey; constant updates, next steps, support, guidance, & comfort. Thank you!

John is survived by his daughters Gloria (Ron) and Christy (Pete); grandchildren Shawn (Pear), Staci (Kurt) and Johnathon, great-grandchildren Mason, Maya, and Maxwell, sister Esther and brother-in-law, Ted.

He was preceded in death by three sisters Anna (Fred), Kathryn (Donald), Pearl (Bill), a brother Adam (Roma), two sisters-in-law Grace (Terry), Evelyn (Roger), and a brother-in-law Ken.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at the First United Church of Christ, 130 E. Church St., Belleville, WI with Rev. Sara Rabe officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Belleville Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call from 12:00 noon until time of service on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at the First United Church of Christ in Belleville.

The Becker-Beal Funeral Home of Belleville is assisting the family.