David Michael "Dave" Baumgardner

David Michael Baumgardner, known affectionately as Dave, passed away on March 10, 2026, after a short but aggressive illness. Born on March 30, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, to Floyd “Bud” and Geraldine (Raschke) Baumgardner, he was the fifth of six siblings. Raised with strong values of faith, hard work, and family devotion, Dave carried these qualities throughout his life as a kind, gentle, and deeply trustworthy man who was always ready to lend his time, skills, or a helping hand to family, friends, and neighbors alike.

A graduate of St. Mary of Redford High School in 1974, Dave later took courses at Wayne State University before building a long career as a Maintenance Technician. He worked at Mt. Carmel Hospital, St. Paul of the Cross Retreat House, and ultimately retired from the Redford Union School District, where colleagues relied on his responsible, dependable nature and his ability to solve problems, often on weekends. Quiet and intensely private, Dave was quirky, unpretentious, and reflective, a man of quiet integrity who preferred his own company yet remained a cherished presence in the lives of those around him.

Dave’s wide-ranging interests brought him quiet joy. A devoted Civil War buff and trivia enthusiast, he was the family’s “go-to” for historical facts and the one everyone wanted on their team. A lifelong Detroit Tigers fan, he followed the team through both victories and defeats, cherishing memories of their 1968 and 1984 World Series wins. An ardent animal lover, especially of dogs, he rescued countless stray and injured creatures and was rarely without dog treats in his pocket. His favorite expressions, “Sounds like a plan” and “Get a job!” became well-known one-liners among those who knew him.

Dave remained deeply devoted to his family, sharing holidays, summer gatherings, and countless adventures with his siblings. He traveled extensively with his sister Cindy and her family, explored cemeteries each summer with his sisters to tend family graves, and created lasting memories with each of them through laughter, reminiscence, and simple acts of love. He is survived by his siblings Marilyn O’Brien (Norman), Cindy Miller, Alan (Patricia), and Janice Maier, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, sister Nancy, brother-in-law William J. Miller, and nephew Justin D. Miller, Dave’s gentle spirit, selfless heart, and steadfast family devotion will be remembered and deeply missed by all who knew him.