Roger Alvin Baumgart

Roger Alvin Baumgart, 88, of Merrill, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and under the compassionate care of hospice at Bell Tower Residence.

Roger was born in 1937 to Alvin and Lillian Baumgart. He graduated from Merrill Senior High School in 1955. On November 12, 1960, he married the love of his life, Donna Marie Nelson. Together they shared more than 65 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on love, family, and faith. Roger was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and was baptized, confirmed and married at Bethlehem Lutheran Church both in Merrill.

Roger was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He and Donna raised two children, Brian and Lisa, whom he loved deeply and guided through life with quiet strength and enduring wisdom. Though a man of few words, Roger’s love and pride for his family were always evident.

His greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His eyes would light up at the mention of their names, and he took immense pride in following their activities, milestones, and accomplishments.

Roger proudly served in the Army National Guard and was deployed to Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington, during the Berlin Crisis. After returning home, he worked at the IGA Grocery Store before beginning a long career with Asbestos Local 127, where he worked for more than 35 years.

A talented athlete throughout his life, Roger loved playing baseball for the Merrill Giants and Rangers. He also enjoyed fast pitch and slow pitch softball, city league basketball, bowling, and later in life, pitching horseshoes and playing golf. In retirement, Roger and Donna spent more than 25 years wintering in Orange Beach, Alabama, creating treasured memories and enjoying many visits with family.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Beryl, Larry, and LaVern Baumgart; and his sister, Gloria Noel.

He is lovingly survived by his wife, Donna; his son, Brian (Lori) Baumgart; and his daughter, Lisa (Brad) Peck, grandchildren, Amanda (Jon) Washa, Brad (Stephanie) Baumgart, Trevor (Megan) Peck, and Molly (fiancé Morgan Rode) Peck; and his beloved great-grandchildren, Maci and Tucker Baumgart, and Aoife and Seamus Peck. Roger is further survived by his brothers, Dick (Gay) and Virgil (Marilyn) Baumgart; his sister, Mary Rutell; his sisters-in-law, Julie Baumgart and Dianne Jach; and many nieces and nephews who will all remember him with love and gratitude.

Roger will be remembered for his quiet kindness, steady presence, strong work ethic, and deep love for his family. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.

A funeral service for Roger will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Merrill, with Pastor Justin Smoot officiating. Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Roger’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional care and compassion provided by the staff at Bell Tower Residence and Interim Hospice.

Donations in Roger’s name may be made to Bell Tower Residence or the Community Food Pantry of Merrill.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation of Merrill is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com