Emerson Baumgartner, 91, Owatonna

Emerson Earl Baumgartner, of Owatonna, went peacefully to his heavenly home on Aug. 6, 2026.

Emerson was born on April 26, 1935, in Waltham, to Walter Sr. and Harriet (Gifford) Baumgartner. He attended both school and church in Waltham.

On March 21, 1953, he married Lois Meier in Austin.

Emerson worked hard at everything he put his hand to. He had many skills, from farming in West Concord, being the field manager for the Faribault Canning Company, to managing a multi-unit elderly apartment complex, along with his wife, Lois, in Faribault.

When he retired, they moved to Austin, and eventually returned to Owatonna to be closer to family.

In his younger days, he enjoyed bowling and raising his children. In his retirement years, he loved doing woodworking, going on road trips with Lois, and caring for his beloved dog, Cody.

Emerson will be greatly missed by his wife of 73 years, Lois, his children: Linda Halverson of Owatonna, Janet (Greg) Chladek of Clayton, Wis., Michael Baumgartner of Sacramento, Calif., and Lori (John) Dodds of Owatonna; his 12 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brother Darrell Baumgartner; his sisters Judy Zeise, Cheryl (Ken) Stevenson, Arla Rasmussen, and Ardella (Tim) Chladek; his sisters-in-law Analee Baumgartner, Marilyn Olson, Janice (James) Beach; and many nieces and nephews.

Emerson was preceded in death by his parents Walter Sr. and Harriet; brothers: Walter Jr., Willard, Luverne, Lowell, and Lanny; sisters: Bernice Goskesen, infant Marlys, Eleanor Grass, and Arlene Olson; son-in-law Bruce Halverson; many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and several nephews and nieces.

Emerson’s family hopes that you were one of the many lives he touched with his smile and that you were able to experience his love for his family and friends, and faith in God.

A special thank you to Timberdale Trace Memory Care Staff, St. Croix Hospice Team, and Glen Meger from Brick-Meger Funeral Home for consoling the family.

Memorials in honor of Emerson are preferred to the donor’s choice. A private Memorial Service will be held at a later date. For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.