Mr. Baumgaertner, 79, of Colts Neck, died Oct. 17, 2007, at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank. He was born in New Brunswick and had resided in Colts Neck for more than 50 years. Prior to retiring in 1992, Mr. Baumgaertner was a superintendent of grounds at the Garden State Arts Center, Holmdel, for 25 years. Prior to that, he was employed by F & F Nurseries Inc., also of Holmdel. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Freehold. He was also a member of the Colts Neck Shade Tree Commission and the New Jersey Farm Bureau. In addition, he was a county master composter. Mr. Baumgaertner was predeceased by a son, Karl, in 1991. Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth; a son, Paul Baumgaertner of Colts Neck; a daughter, Donna Baumgaertner of Voorhees; and two sisters, Barbara Baumgaertner and Alma Baumgaertner, both of Colts Neck. A funeral service was held at Grace Lutheran Church, Freehold, followed by interment at Maplewood Cemetery, Freehold Township. Memorial donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 200 Park Ave., Freehold, NJ 07728.
