Mark “Mike” Baumberger, loving husband, father, and grandfather, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, September 1, 2015 in San Tan Valley, Arizona.
Mike was born on his parent’s rural farm home in Colton, South Dakota on February 17, 1938. He was the eldest of ten children (six boys and four girls). He attended Saint Mary’s Catholic School in Dell Rapids, SD. Mike worked with his father and siblings on the family farm until he was 17-years-old when he joined the United States Air Force and worked as a jet mechanic from 1955 to 1959. After this time, he was well on his way to becoming a Jack-of-all-trades.
In July of 1960, he met Bea Barck – the love of his life, his rock, his everything, at Cooty Days in Dell Rapids, SD. On June 23, 1961, they were wed at Saint Joseph’s Cathedral in Sioux Falls, SD. One of Mike’s proudest moments was serving the community for five-and-a-half years on the Sioux Falls Fire Department beginning in 1964. Mike then became a trucker and an owner/operator for the following 30 years, which provided a wonderful life for his family. In 2005, Mike retired and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren whenever possible.
Mike was preceded in death by his mother and father, Catherine (Geraets) Baumberger and Marcus Baumberger; his sister, Virginia (Baumberger) Zimmer; son-in-law, Greg Filipek; and brother-in-law, Bob Deiss.
Survivors include his loving wife, Bea (Barck) Baumberger; his daughters, Brenda Baumberger and Michaelee “Mikki” (Baumberger) Shapard (Gilbert Silva); his son, Bart (Cathy Baker) Baumberger; his grandchildren, Kayla Baumberger, Chelsea Baumberger, Cristian Shapard, Olivia Shapard, and Eric Wilson; his siblings, Gene (Vonnie Berger) Baumberger, David (Marcia Warne) Baumberger, Rosee (Baumberger) Deiss, LaLa (Baumberger) Felton (Verne), Dan Baumberger (Brenda Rademacher), Tim (Pat Kris) Baumberger, Roger (Janet Hoemann) Baumberger, Ceedy (Baumberger) Johnson (Steve), as well as his many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
The family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00pm Friday, September 11, 2015, at Miller Funeral Home, 507 S. Main Avenue. A prayer service will follow at 7:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 9:00am, Saturday, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Sioux Falls. Memorials may be directed to the VFW Post 628, for local Veterans care. Condolences may be left at www.millerfh.com.