Leo Baumgartner
Dec. 24, 1929 – April 18, 2025
Leo Francis Baumgartner passed away April 18, 2025, at his home in Sweet Home, surrounded by family.
Leo, known as Bud, was born Dec. 24, 1929, to Leo Anthony Baumgartner and Marguerite Marie Baumgartner in Pontiac, Mich. He was the oldest brother of Richard Baumgartner and David Baumgartner.
After graduating from Pontiac High School in 1947, he attended Michigan State University and completed his degree in forestry in 1951. While at Michigan State, he participated in ROTC and later served in the United States Army.
Bud was stationed in England during the Korean War. Following his return from duty, he completed his graduate degree in forestry at Michigan State.
Bud met Barbara Evelyn Cullin when he returned from the service, and they were married in 1955. Two weeks after their Michigan wedding, the young couple moved to Oakridge, where Bud worked for the U.S. Forest Service.
After 10 years, Bud was transferred, and the family, which by then included three children, moved to Sweet Home. He worked as a timber manager on the Willamette National Forest until his retirement in 1988.
While working and raising their children, Bud and Barbara built The Lazy B Ranch on McQueen Drive, where he lived until his passing. Bud’s greatest love was his family.
Bud and Barbara have three children: Cathy Danielson (Rod) of Coos Bay, Mark Baumgartner (Sandy) of Albany, and Scott Baumgartner (Renee) of Bend. They have six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Bud and Barbara were married 69 years.
Bud has been an integral part of the Sweet Home community since 1965. He was first a member and then chairman of the Sweet Home School Board from 1977-1989.
Bud also became involved with the Small Woodlands Association of Linn County and served as both treasurer and president. Bud and Barbara made several international trips with Oregon State Forestry Extension to learn about forestry practices around the world.
The Lazy B Ranch has a mile of frontage along the Calapooia River. Bud joined the Calapooia Watershed Council in 1999. After working as vice chairman for two years, he took over as chair and oversaw the removal of four dams, including the Brownsville and Sodom dams, opening the river to spawning steelhead and salmon.
The Watershed Council also worked on stream restoration projects along the river and its tributaries.
Bud and Barbara are members of St. Helen Catholic Church Parish.
In his younger years, Bud spent time hunting and camping, with his favorite place to visit in Oregon being Waldo Lake. He was a huge Michigan State fan and was glued to the television when games were on. Go Spartans!
Since all three children are OSU graduates, Bud was also a strong Beaver Believer.
Bud enjoyed farming his 130-acre property.
A Celebration of Life will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the St. Helen’s Women’s Club. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.