Shirley Baumgarte

Shirley Baumgarte
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Shirley Roberta Baumgarte, nee Blessing, 80, of Freeburg, IL, born March 22, 1936, in Cobden, IL, died unexpectedly on Monday, May 16, 2016, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL.

Mrs. Baumgarte retired from Freeburg Elementary District 70, where she worked as a secretary to the superintendant for 35 years.

She was a charter member of the Freeburg Optimist Club, chairing committees and serving in various offices through the years.  She was a charter board member of the District 70 Education Foundation.  Until her death, Shirley was an active member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Freeburg, IL, where she taught Sunday school and Confirmation and served on the church council.  She was also a member of the Women’s Guild and volunteered her time and talents for more than 65 years at St. Paul’s.

Shirley was an avid gardener, artist, nature and animal lover, world traveler, and faithful friend to many.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Robert D. Baumgarte, whom she married on July 14, 1956, and who died on November 7, 2010; and her parents, Rudolph and Bernice, nee Topping, Blessing.

Shirley leaves behind her beloved and devoted daughters, Linda Baumgarte
and Sherry (Bob) Yarkosky, both of Freeburg, IL;
her dearest friend since grade school, Delores “Dolly” Barton Revelle of Freeburg, IL;
sisters-in-law, Patricia Baumgarte of Freeburg, IL,
and Lois Baumgarte of Chesterfield, MO;
nieces; cousins; and numerous friends.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s UCC Cemetery Committee Fund for landscaping, to the District 70 Education Foundation, to the Freeburg Optimists Club, to the Freeburg Library, or to the Freeburg Sportsman Club.  Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation:  Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 20, 2016, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, May 21, 2016, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Freeburg, IL.

Funeral:  Services to celebrate Shirley’s life will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Freeburg, IL, with Pastor Earl Crecelius officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ Cemetery, Freeburg, IL.

Condolences Left For Shirley Baumgarte

Sherry and Linda, I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved mother. She will be missed, but never forgotten.

A memory will always be kept in our hearts, of the one we loved, lost and will never forget. Now God has her in his keeping, we will always have her in our hearts.

The both of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Love you.

Sara Stein, Cape Coral, Florida, 33990


Linda, so sorry to hear about your mom. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Karen & Sam, Shiloh, IL, 62269


Linda–my deepest sympathies on the loss of your mother. I was shocked when my Tribune arrived Saturday. She and your father were such good friends for years.

Burnell A. Heinecke, Springfield, Illinois, 62704-3741

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