Lowell Baumgardt

Lowell J. Baumgardt, age 81, passed away on June 26, 2025. He was born on July 27, 1943 to the late Walter and Ajesta (Guinn) Baumgardt. He was lovingly raised by Walter and Juliet Baumgardt. In 1966, Lowell graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with an Architecture degree. Two years later, he married Mary Conklin in Wausau, WI, and the newlyweds moved to Chicago, IL so that Lowell could join Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, a large firm then designing skyscrapers such as the John Hancock Center and Willis Tower. Lowell was there briefly before accepting a position with Berners Schober Associates in Green Bay, WI. Lowell became a partner and helped run the firm for many years alongside trusted associates he knew both as colleagues and friends, including Bill Doyle and Thaina Farah. While Lowell contributed to a great variety of projects, he was known for his expertise in hospitals, and he designed and remodeled hospitals across the Midwest, including St. Vincent and St. Mary’s in Green Bay. He enjoyed working with the Sisters of St. Joseph on the many hospital projects the order managed, speaking fondly of its members.

Mary and Lowell treasured the time they spent at the family cottage with their children, grandchildren, and members of their extended family. Lowell also valued his time traveling to various U.S. destinations with his late brother Jer Bear, a.k.a. Jerry Baumgardt. Lowell was an artist. He painted. He shot and developed his own photographs. He worked with wood, creating boxes with joinery, carving reliefs into wood panels, and meticulously fabricating correctly-tuned tongue drums. The latter woodworking interest tied to another significant love of his, music. Lowell became a recording artist with his high school band. He was an accomplished trumpet and recorder player, and he possessed a deep voice with a lovely, gentle tone; he likewise greatly appreciated well-composed and thoughtful scores delivered by skilled musicians and accomplished singers. However, he had no love greater than that for his wife and family. He was proud of his children and enjoyed his role as Grandpa, especially when spending one-on-one time with his grandchildren.

Lowell was an incredibly intelligent and perceptive person, and aging seemed only to further sharpen his mind and wit. Throughout his life, he had sayings that, depending on his tone and inflection, could communicate a variety of things. One favorite was “Lord!,” which was low, raspy, and delivered from the back of his throat. The expression could signify tiredness, exasperation, or resignation—but there was always a sense of amused good humor. Likewise, when Lowell helped his children embark on a new adventure—a new school, job, or trip—the firmness of his admonition, “BEHAVE!,” was rendered only half-serious and playful by the gentleness with which he looked at them.

Lowell was greatly loved, and he will be greatly missed. He is survived by his children, Katherine (Daniel) Jore, Kenneth (Tiffany) Baumgardt, Tricia (Steven) Piette, Daniel Baumgardt, and Michael (Osmara) Baumgardt; his grandchildren, Emma, Erin, Benjamin, Hannah, Joe, Luke, Samuel, Jack, Elijah, Lowell, Clara, Mary, Oscar and Ana; his siblings, Arden (Barbara) Baumgardt and Carole (Byll) Hess; his sister-in-law, Trudy (Dave) Gajewski; and nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death are his wife, Mary; his parents Walter and Juliet Baumgardt; his mother, Ajesta Baumgardt; his brother, Jerome Baumgardt; and his sister-in-law, Karen Baumgardt.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Resurrection Parish, 333 Hilltop Dr., Green Bay from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, at which time a Memorial Mass will be held, with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lowell’s memory can be made either to Paul’s Pantry or to Resurrection Parish.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to everyone at Unity Hospice for their wonderful care and to Lowell’s kind and helpful neighbors, Mark and Josh.