Raymond "Ray" J. Baumgartner Jr.

Raymond John Baumgartner Jr, 63, has completed his journey to his heavenly home on March 5, 2022, surrounded by his family's love.

Ray was born to Raymond and Geraldine (Betty) Baumgartner Sr. on July 25, 1958, in Eagle, Wisconsin. Ray grew up dairy farming with his parents and graduated from Argyle High School in 1976. After high school he went on to complete the UW Madison Short Course. In 1978 he purchased a dairy farm in Athens, with his parents, forming RB Dairy Incorporated.

Shortly after moving, Ray met the love of his life Betty through mutual friends. The storybook romance started with a kiss in the rain at the Milan ball tournament. They married on November 14, 1981, at Christ Lutheran Church in Abbotsford, WI. Ray and Betty operated RB Dairy Inc. up until 2009. After farming, Ray found a new career at Menards. He was a “personal shopper” to many and was often approached by family and strangers alike for Menards advice.

Ray was blessed with the gift of gab, prompting his family to often use the phrase “Everybody Loves Raymond”. No matter where he went, he found someone to talk to! Ray enjoyed life to the fullest. He was an avid Packer fan, had a passion for war history, and spent countless hours on the golf course. No matter what it was, Ray went all in, but it was especially obvious with his family. His family was his pride and joy. In his younger years, he would often joke that he was outnumbered by females since he had three daughters and a barn full of dairy cows. But later in life the tables turned when he gained 3 son-in-laws and he was blessed with five grandboys! Ray was often the instigator of chaos and just enjoyed being goofy with his family, making everyone laugh.

Ray is survived by his wife Betty, daughters, Ann (Andy) Thurs, Jessica (Nick) Kelley, Gena (Chad) Heeg, grandsons Trey and Levi Heeg, Evan Thurs, William and Callum Kelley, siblings Jerry (Julie) Baumgartner, David (Pat) Baumgartner, Robert Baumgartner, Andy (Norma) Baumgartner, Charlotte Spellman, Alice Miller, Zida Reed, Phil (Heather) Baumgartner, mother-in-law, Pat Schauer, brother-in-law Brian (Daniella) Schauer, Joel Schauer, sister-in-law, Karen (Lampros) Petanitis and many nieces and nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond & Geraldine Baumgartner, siblings, Phyllis Schneider, Walter Jones and father-in-law, Willard Schauer.

Ray was a strong Christian husband, father, and papa. His faith, strength, and perseverance were an inspiration to many. Thank you to Pastor Mark Schwalenberg, our Trinity family, the entire Athens community and all of our family and friends for your love and support. Thank you to the hospital care teams, home health teams, and hospice care staff for the care and compassion given not only to Ray, but to his entire family. The journey wasn't easy, but let us all remember that God is Good all the time, and all the time God is Good.

Private services will be held.  The services will be live streamed 12:00 p.m. Sunday, March 13, 2022, on the Trinity Lutheran Church website, www.trinityathens.net or the Trinity Lutheran Church Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com