Robert Bruce Baumgartner, Md

Robert Bruce Baumgartner, MD, 77, of La Junta passed away on November
22, 2015 at the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center in La Junta. He was
born on January 6, 1938 in Denver to Andrew B. & Catherine (Parle)
Baumgartner. He married Sherry Ann Wilson.
 
In 1956, Robert graduated from Regis High School in Denver and continued
on to Regis College. In 1959 he entered the University Of Colorado School Of
Medicine, graduating as a Doctor of Medicine in 1963. That same year he married
his beloved wife, Sherry. He entered the United States Army in 1964 and served
as a flight surgeon in the 82nd Airborne Division.
 
Following his honorable discharge, he completed a surgery residency at
CU Medical Center and a fellowship in cardiovascular surgery. In 1970, Robert
moved his young family to La Junta and joined Dr. Dean Girard in surgical
practice, tirelessly serving his community for 45 years. During that time he
became a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, an adjunct professor at
the University Of Colorado School Of Medicine, and an FAA Aviation Medical
Examiner. He trained EMTs in Southeastern Colorado for over 20 years. Robert
was an active member of the Our Lady Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish.
 
He was a devoted and loving son, husband, father and grandfather,
brother, doctor and friend, touching everyone he met with his distinctive sense
of humor. He loved exploring his home state of Colorado and cared deeply about
the fate of the nation. He was a pilot, intellectual, genuine sports fan, avid
motorcyclist, and a passionate student of his faith and his world. He will be
missed dearly by his family and many friends.
 
He is survived by his wife, Sherry of the La Junta home; children,
Michael Bruce Baumgartner of Anchorage, AK; Steven Christopher (Mellisa)
Baumgartner of Steamboat Springs, CO; Dr. Laura (Raymond)
Baumgartner-Grunzinger of Erie, CO; grandchildren, Kaya, Michael and Steven
Baumgartner; Eamon & Tighe Grunzinger; great-grandchildren, Anna and Edward
Boyle; brother, Dr. Dennis (Joan) Baumgartner of Denver, CO. He was preceded in
death by his parents and brother.
 
In
lieu of flowers those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to the Arkansas
Valley Regional Medical Center or the Arkansas Valley Pregnancy Center direct
or through the funeral home.

 

 

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at 11:00
a.m. and memorial mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. both services at Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish with Father Matthew Wertin officiating.