Dennis Michael Baumgartner

Dennis Michael Baumgartner entered into eternal life on January 8, 2024.  He was born on July 24, 1942, in Denver, Colorado, to Andrew Bruce and Catherine (Parle) Baumgartner.   He graduated from St. James Catholic Grade School (’56), Regis Jesuit High School (’60), Regis College (’64), and Creighton University Dental School (’70).

He married his beloved wife Joan Patricia (Kukral) Baumgartner on August 2, 1969.  He worked as a dentist in a private practice and then in a clinic for the City and County of Denver.  He was a dedicated man of faith and prioritized his family. 

 He was an avid sports fan, especially when his children played basketball, softball, volleyball, and tennis and later when his grandkids played football, baseball, and soccer or danced ballet.  He enjoyed playing golf, cribbage, backgammon, and shooting pool, which he loved to teach the proper techniques to his children and grandchildren.  He was a strong proponent of a balanced diet, which he insisted must always include semisweet chocolate chips and vitamin cocktails.  He could always provide the latest commentary on any professional and college football team, including a “pessimistic optimism” for his home team, the Denver Broncos.   He found joy in restoring and driving his 1969 Chevelle and always had a pun ready to make you laugh and think.

 He is survived and his wife, Joan, and their seven children:   Sister Elizabeth (Judith) Baumgartner, OSB; Catherine (Baumgartner) West and her husband, Ryan West;  Denise (Baumgartner) Fountaine and her husband, Patrick Fountaine; David Baumgartner and his wife, Claire (Oravec) Baumgartner;  Sallie (Baumgartner) Guezuraga; John Baumgartner; Andrew Baumgartner and his wife, Jacqueline (van der Veur) Baumgartner.  

 He is also survived by fourteen grandchildren:  Taylor West, Rachel West, Carson West, Elijah West, Peter Baumgartner, Anna Baumgartner, Avelina Baumgartner, Penelope Guezuraga, Lorenzo Guezuraga, Cecilia Guezuraga, Josh Baumgartner, Jacob Baumgartner, and Eloise Baumgartner and another grandson on the way.

 He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert Bruce Baumgartner. 

 In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: 

 Abbey of St Walburga

1029 Benedictine Way

Virginia Dale, CO 80536

https://walburga.org/make-a-donation/