Phyllis Baumgarten

Phyllis Baumgarten, age 92, of Casselton, ND, died Monday, June 1, 2020, at her home under the care of her family and Hospice.

Phyllis Rebecca Swenson was born November 8, 1927 at Kindred, ND, the daughter of Sam Oscar and Ella (Blilie) Swenson.  She grew up at Kindred, ND, where she was baptized and confirmed at Kindred Lutheran Church.  She graduated from Kindred High School in 1945.

Phyllis was united in married to Clark LeRoy Baumgarten on January 23, 1949, at Kindred Lutheran Church.  Phyllis and Clark met at a dance in Kindred, when she was on a date with another boy!  She happily confirmed that she and Clark connected immediately.

After marriage, they became members of Goshen Moravian Church. Phyllis was active in Women’s Fellowship, Circle and participated in many interdenominational community Bible studies expressing her faith in so many meaningful ways.

Clark and Phyllis lived and farmed near Durbin, ND, until 1981, when they retired and moved into Casselton.

As a farm wife, Phyllis quickly learned to cook and bake from Betty Crocker who taught her well!  The entire family looked forward to her meals.  Her Christmas cookies were especially anticipated. She had a strong work ethic that was passed on through the generations. She taught her loved ones the importance of family and maintaining those relationships.

Phyllis was a nurturing person who wanted her kids to be the best versions of themselves, she encouraged education, the arts and a strong faith in God. She was an avid reader sharing her passion as a volunteer at the Casselton Library and teaching literacy education in her early retirement years. Phyllis was a lover of Classical and Christian music often turning up the stereo while cleaning. She had an amazing sense of humor and enjoyed laughing.

During their early retirement years, Clark and Phyllis spent time traveling the United States in their RV, often one of their grandchildren joined them as they stopped along the way to enjoy visits with friends and family.

She is survived by her loving husband Clark; three children Sarah (Skip) Klinkhammer, Mark (Jackie) Baumgarten, Rebecca Baumgarten; 5 grandchildren: Scott (Jennifer) Klinkhammer, Shelly (Chris) Wieland, Alex (Beth) Baumgarten, Dana (Josh) Penley, Jon (Lauren) Baumgarten; 4 great-grandchildren Danica and Harrison Klinkhammer, Grace and Clark Baumgarten; and one sister-in-law, Marilyn Swenson and many nieces and nephews.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers Rueben (Helen) Swenson, Leslie Swenson, Clayton (Sybil) Swenson; and one sister Inez (John) Walker. Sister-in-law, Lois Harness (Wayne) and sister-in-law Alice Jones (Ralph).

Private Service:       10 am Thursday, June 4, 2020 at Goshen Moravian Church, Durbin, ND

Burial:  Casselton Cemetery

*In lieu of flowers, Phyllis had requested that memorial gifts be sent to the charity of your choice.**

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