David A. Baumgartner

David Allen Baumgartner, a man whose laughter, kindness, and genuine smile touched all who knew him, passed away on 18 December 2024, just after his 64th birthday. Born in Madison, Wisconsin, to young parents, he grew up in a tumultuous environment yet became the light in this dark time. 

David lived a life full of resilience and humor. He was a master alchemist, turning the deepest pain into laughter. A silent hero, touching hearts in every corner of America. Even in the face of immense challenges, including living with COPD, he never let hardship dampen his spirit. With a contagious laugh and an unwavering dedication to making others smile, he found joy in the simple things—nurturing countless houseplants, creating art, cooking meals with love, watching birds & organizing everything with an unmatched level of skill from his sock drawer to a dozen auto repair shops in Washington state.  

In his final chapter, he resided in Yuma, Arizona, where he continued to find ways to brighten the world around him. Despite his health struggles, he kept his space immaculate and his heart full of care for others, even waxing floors outside his hotel room—a testament to his boundless determination and desire to make everything better. Three weeks before his passing, he said with four short gasps of air in between: “I want people to know that I did my best to leave the world better than I found it.”

He is survived by his only daughter, Lana Baumgartner and countless friends who were inspired by his kindness and love.

A celebration of his life will be held on January 12 at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin from noon to 4pm—a place he cherished deeply. All who loved him are invited to join in honoring his memory. Please reach out to Lana for a virtual link to join via video from anywhere in the world. 

His legacy of love, resilience, and laughter will live on in all who knew him.

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