Robert Baumgarten

Robert “Bob” Baumgarten, 75, of Mapleton, ND, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Robert Reinhold Baumgarten was born February 17, 1951, in Fargo, ND, to Allen and Evelyn (Holden) Baumgarten. He grew up on the family farm and attended elementary school in Durbin, ND, before graduating from high school in Casselton, ND. In 1976, he married Cheryl Klein, the love of his life, and they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Together they built a life centered around family and farming, raising two children, Jeremy and Jessica, and later becoming grandparents to five grandchildren who were a tremendous source of pride and joy for Bob. He cherished being there for them and never missed an opportunity to support them.

Bob was a lifelong farmer, starting at a young age alongside his father and brothers. Farming was more than a job to Bob—it was part of who he was. He eventually worked alongside his son and grandsons, helping carry the family farm into its sixth generation. Bob was a 4-H member in his youth and was especially proud of winning Grand Champion Steer at the Red River Valley Fair.  He spent the majority of his years proudly working the ground growing corn and soybeans, always keeping a close eye on the land, the crops, and the weather. Harvest was his favorite time of year. Bob never really stopped farming.  If there was work to be done, he was there, usually ready to lend a hand—and probably offer an opinion or two. 

To know him was to love him and those who knew Bob will remember him for much more than his work. He was the life of the party and could turn just about any gathering into a good time. He loved to laugh, loved making other people laugh, and had a knack for delivering the perfect one-liner at exactly the right moment. Bob had a personality that filled a room, and his quick wit and sense of humor often made him the person people were looking for when they needed to be cheered up. He never needed a microphone to make himself heard, and he certainly never needed much encouragement to have a good time.

Bob loved the things that brought people together. He was a member of the Corvette Club and enjoyed his beloved 1980 Corvette. Bob and Cheryl enjoyed traveling to Mexico over the years and spending winters at their home in Arizona. At home, they were proud NDSU Team Makers and rarely missed their Bison football games at the FargoDome. And, following the green and gold theme, Bob was a devoted Green Bay Packers fan.

Most of all, Bob loved his family and friends. He was a husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, farmer, friend, and the guy who could make you laugh when you least expected it. His family will miss his presence around the farm, his willingness to help, his big heart, his laughter, his stories and the many memories he created along the way.

Bob is survived by his wife , Cheryl; son, Jeremy (Sarah) Baumgarten; daughter, Jessica (Adam) Broers; five grandchildren, Brett, Brady and Abigail Baumgarten and Mason and Brynn Broers; brother, Monte (Rachel) Baumgarten; and several brother and sister in laws, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Evelyn Baumgarten, and his brother, Randy.

Funeral: Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 at 6 PM at West Funeral Home Chapel, West Fargo with visitation from 4 to 6 PM.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

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