Raymond Wilbur Baumgart

Raymond (Ray) Baumgart, 91, of Detroit Lakes, died Friday, June 22, 2018 at Essentia Heath-Oak Crossing under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley and the Oak Crossing nursing staff. Raymond Wilbur Baumgart was born on June 13, 1927 to Otto and Hedwig (Bahls) Baumgart in Pine Lake Township.  He completed his education at the Evergreen Country School.  In 1945, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in the Philippines and Japan. While serving his country, he was a heavy equipment operator rebuilding the runway at Yakota Air Base in Japan at the end of WWII and later in the radio-photo lab. On August 12, 1947 he married Luella Mae Johnson at Sacred Heart Catholic Rectory in Frazee. They lived in Perham, Pelican Rapids, Stewart, and Rochert, MN before settling in Detroit Lakes.  Early on in his life he worked on several farms, for Elijah House Movers and in 1952 started at North Star Dairy as a milkman.  He spent much of his life as a talented craftsman doing carpentry work, remodeling and cabinet making.  Ray was quite active in 4-H and received several awards from the county as a 4-H leader. He also served on the Becker County 4-H Council and was instrumental in building the 4-H booths in the exhibit hall at the Becker County Fairgrounds.  Ray was elected to 4 consecutive terms as Commander of VFW Post 7702 in Frazee, MN. He was elected during his last term as the 1986 All State Commander.  He later served as adjutant for the 9th district of the VFW.  He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and served as an Elder and on the building committee. He enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing, making homemade ice cream, telling Ole and Lena jokes and enjoyed spending time with each of his grandchildren.  He had a warm smile and was loved by many. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Luella; a daughter Bonnie (Wayne) Dahring of Detroit Lakes and two sons Ronald (Connie) of Colorado Springs, CO; and Scott (Dena) of Detroit Lakes.  A brother, LeRoy (Esther) Baumgart of Detroit Lakes; six grandchildren: Angie Kagarise, Gus Baumgart, Wendy (Steve) Worden, Lori Dahring, Tyler Dahring and Louie Baumgart; Four great-grandchildren: Sheanna, Raelyn, Ike Kagarise and Benjamin Buchholz, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by a son Daniel Baumgart, two brothers Arland Baumgart and Wayne Baumgart; a sister Gladys Estlick; and his parents. Funeral Services to celebrate Ray’s life will be Saturday, July 7th at 11:00 a.m. at West Kjos Funeral Home.  Visitation will be Friday, July 6th from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Internment will be at Lakeside Cemetery, Frazee, MN.