James L. Baumgartner

James L. Baumgartner, 71, a lifetime resident of South Bend, passed away peacefully at 2:27am on Monday, June 19, 2017 at his residence. He was born on September 27, 1945 in South Bend, to the late Leslie C. and Ruth E. (Linderman) Baumgartner.

On June 20, 1970 in South Bend, James married the former Catherine J. Heston, who survives. James is also survived by three daughters, Leslie Neidig of Arlington, VA; Michelle (Luke) Burgdorf of Kalamazoo, MI; Bernadette Baumgartner of South Bend; his son, Matthew Baumgartner of Mishawaka; nine grandchildren, Harry, Denali, Jacob and Marylou Neidig; Cesar and Lili Teapila; Victor Stone, Sparrow Burgdorf, and Analeise Baumgartner; and his sister, Joan (Bob) Steinmetz.

James was employed in construction and maintenance for South Bend Water Works, retiring in 2011 after 30 years of service. He attended Christ the King Catholic Church in South Bend. James was an avid fan of Notre Dame as well as the Chicago Bears. He was an amateur artist, and he enjoyed camping. James also served honorably in the U.S. Army.

Memorial services for James will be held at 4:00pm on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at Palmer Funeral Home—Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN. The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00pm on Thursday at the funeral home, prior to the service.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of James may be donated to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215, or Grace Hospice, 5838 W. Brick Road, Ste 101, South Bend, IN 46628.

Online condolences may be left for the Baumgartner family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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