Inge Ernestine (Ruff) Baumgartner, 86 of Elkader, passed away Friday, May 3, 2024, at MercyOne Medical Center in Dubuque. She was born at home in rural Jefferson Township of Clayton County on March 20, 1938, to Georg and Martha (Arndt) Ruff. She attended school in Elkader and graduated from Elkader High School with the Class of 1955.
Inge was united in marriage to Earl Gene Baumgartner on June 20, 1955, and they celebrated 54 years together. She was a homemaker and farmer’s wife – which she greatly enjoyed. Together they farmed with Inge’s sister and brother-in-law, Ilse and Leo Koehn, for many years; and eventually Marcus and Dianna Baumgartner joined the group. In 2004, Inge and Earl sold their farm, retaining one acre, where they built a new home.
Inge was a member of Peace United Church of Christ and the American Legion Auxiliary. She loved taking care of her nieces and nephews whenever needed. Over the years, she enjoyed many pets, gardening, growing flowers, card club, playing bingo, and square dancing.
Inge is survived by her two sons, Audie (Diane) Baumgartner of Guttenberg and Terry Baumgartner of Elkader; three step-grandchildren, Travis (Amy) Bries, Trey (Corinne) Bries, and Tara (Travis) Augustyn; and nine step-great-grandchildren.
Inge was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Earl; and her two sisters, Marianne Horns and Ilse Koehn.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2024, with visitation prior from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader with Pastor Paula Anderson officiating. Inurnment will follow at East Side Cemetery in Elkader.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society, Peace United Church of Christ, Elkader Ambulance/EMT, Elkader Fire Department, or MercyOne Elkader Medical Center.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family.