Doris W. Baumgartner

Doris Mae Walke Baumgartner, 93, of Gainesville, FL, passed in peace on August 23, the birthday of her beloved husband, George Ira (Corkey) Baumgartner.  They celebrated almost 67 years of marriage before his passing in 2014.  

Doris was born on April 28, 1930, in Dayton, Ohio, to Effie Mae Hager and Dale W. Walke, second of 6 children, and affectionately called “our second mother “ by her sibs.  She was predeceased by brothers Dale Eugene, Donald, and Delbert Walke, and sister Patty Harris. She is survived by sister Martha (Ken) Mann, sister-in-law Evelyn Walke, and brother-in-law Robert Harris, daughters Kathleen Kish (and husband John), Mary Frances Grady (and husband George),  sons George Patrick Baumgartner (and wife Niurka), and John Joseph Baumgartner (and wife Tammi); 5 grandchildren: Kelley Kish Woods (and husband Lamont), Kristi K. McClellan (and husband Darren), Kari Ann K. Knoblauch (and husband Jason), Hannah Joy Baumgartner, and George Connor Grady, 6 great-grandchildren:  Joshua, John, and Maxwell McClellan, and Kathleen, Kelsey, and Julia Mae Knoblauch, and 32 loved nieces, nephews, and their families.

Raised in Biscayne Gardens and North Miami, she attended William Jennings Bryan Elementary and Miami Edison High School, later completing her GED at North Miami High.

Doris and George’s lifelong love story began when they met at his 16th birthday party. Sent to Ohio by her parents, George found her, and they later married in Covington, KY.  While George drove fuel trucks for Standard Oil, evenings and weekends were spent building their first home in North Miami, and soon, their neighbors' homes. Baumgartner Construction was established in 1964 and built churches, temples, nursing homes, and FPL service centers, with Doris handling the bookkeeping and office. Also, she was a Girl Scout, Boy Scout, and 4H mom, and active member of Holy Family Catholic Church. 

Doris was a dedicated campaigner for George's successful elections as North Miami Councilman and State House of Representative, spanning 1963-1974.

In 1976, Doris and family moved to Gainesville, where Baumgartner Construction developed Emerald Woods and Savannah Place, contributing her decorating skills and accounting management. They completed many projects including Paynes Prairie State Preserve, Kirby Smith, Bell Elementary and Trenton High School.

Doris and George retired in 1994, and enjoyed motorhome travel, playing golf with GGCC friends, and following the Gators. They were loyal Gator Boosters, Scholarship Partners, and hosted legendary tailgates on Flavet Field for grandkids, family, neighbors, and friends.  All came to hug Mom-Mom and taste her delicious treats.  They were devoted members of Holy Faith and later, Queen of Peace Catholic Church.  Doris was 1995 Senior Volunteer of the Year at Hidden Oak Elementary.

Doris and George moved to St. Augustine in 2007, and were enthusiastic members of Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Doris was well known for organizing parish fish fries, brunches, and holiday parties, all followed by her delicious desserts. They also welcomed many a houseguest, and Doris prepared many a tasty meal.

After her beloved Corkey passed in 2014, she returned to Gainesville and enjoyed the company of her good friends and family, bravely and fiercely keeping on for 9 more years.  She will be missed.

The family would like to thank the caregivers from Concierge Care and the kind staff at the Windsor, where she resided for almost the last 3 years.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Doris’ name to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90 Blvd., Gainesville,FL, 32606, or Catholic Charities, 1701 NE 9th Street, Gainesville, FL, 32609.

Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Baumgartner Family