Gilbert A. Baumker

Gilbert A. Baumker, 86, of Washington, passed away on April 25, 2025. Mr. Baumker, son of the late Anthony Baumker and Johanna nee Mueller, was born on October 25, 1938, in Washington. He received his education from St. Francis Borgia High School and Southeast Missouri State University. On September 9, 1967, he was united in marriage to Marjorie Wilde at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth, MO.

Gil was a loving husband, father, grandfather, teammate, hunter and role model for many.  He was devoted to his wife Marge, and their four children and 10 grandchildren.  

He was always there to support, cheer and offer encouraging words to them in sports games, school events and Mass participation. Gil enjoyed spending his time surrounded by family, especially family vacations to Destin FL, watching a Cardinals baseball game, and working outdoors around home and farm.

Gil was a gifted athlete, excelling in baseball and basketball at St. Francis Borgia high school.  He participated in many sports throughout his lifetime but is most known for his baseball career as “bomber Baumker”.  He played for the Chicago Cubs minor league.  He met the love of his life, Margie Baumker , on a blind date at a Cardinals game that lasted 14 innings. For many years he played for the Washington Buds baseball team and enjoyed many basketball games as a Dill Plumbing Plungers basketball player. 

Besides being a talented athlete, Gil was an avid hunter.  He went hunting out west for 18 years straight in the Colorado mountains.  He loved nature and could name almost every animal he saw, and birds just by sound. He had a natural talent of painting and created some beautiful nature paintings. 

Gil’s love and compassion for his family shined through him every day.  He leaves great memories and a strong legacy behind. He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Will Baumker; two brother-in-laws, Jerry Wilde and Robert Wilde, and sister-in-law, Rosemary Holtmeyer.

Among his survivors are his wife, Marjorie Baumker of Washington; four children, Michele Batson of Washington, Stacey Homyk and husband Chris of Washington, Kelly Renkemeyer and husband Joe of Washington, and Ryan Baumker and wife Jodi of Washington; sister, Louise Leger of Washington; ten grandchildren, Zachary, Lynsey, Eli, Elizabeth, Lydia, Ethan, Lauren, Heidi, Harriet, and Beau; In-laws, Mille Voss, Gene Wilde and wife Mary Jo, Ronald Wilde, Carlene Bax and husband Dan, and Lorraine Wiggins and husband Roger; loved ones and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Gertrude’s Church in Krakow. Interment will be in the church cemetery. A celebration of life and meal will follow in the St Gertrude’s cafeteria.

Memorial donations can be made to All Abilities Athletics.

Arrangements in care of Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home, Washington.

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