Kenneth Merle Baumgartle, Little Chute, age 87, died at his home on Monday, March 23, 2020. He was born in Henderson County, Illinois on August 11, 1932, to the late Harry Vaughn and Inez (Brown) Baumgartle. Ken married Lois Conrad on January 1, 1953, in Harrison County, Indiana.

Ken grew up near Corydon, Indiana, on a farm. He attended and graduated from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, with a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture. He worked as a paint chemist, managing a paint company and paint store, and was also a supervisor in a foundry. Ken was active in community activities, as he was a Sunday School teacher for many years, a 4-H leader, a youth leader, and a Little League baseball coach. He also enjoyed umpiring baseball and softball games, and loved to garden flowers.

Ken is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lois; children: Kenneth M. (Rose) Baumgartle, Jr.; Kathleen (Tony) Rodger; Kevin Baumgartle; and Kelly (Joyce) Baumgartle; grandchildren: Brenda (Bill) Leon, Bruce (Sherry) Baumgartle, Maylis (Reggie) Ortiz, Kyle (Amanda) Baumgartle, Sarah (Tex) Bower, Micah (Samantha) Engle, April (Chad) Brigdon, Jenna Baumgartle, Alex Baumgartle, and Cody (Allison) Baumgartle; 16 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandson; siblings: Norma Higdon, Larry (Connie) Baumgartle, Allen (Pam) Baumgartle, Phyllis (Keith) Schneider, and Gerald (Jeannine) Baumgartle.   He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his son, Kerry; and sister, Wanda Hamilton.

Memorial service and burial will be held in Southern Indiana at a later date.