Milton Fred Baumgart

Milt was born in Brooklyn, New York, on February 4, 1931, to Otto and Margarete (Weller) Baumgart. He spent his early years in Brooklyn and grew up in Atlantic Beach on Long Island. He spent his summer days on the beach and in the water; he loved to swim! He was also an avid water skier.

He graduated from Lawrenceville High School, where he participated in track as a pole vaulter.

In 1953 Milt was called to serve in the East German Mission, but it was not to be. Within a few months of his mission call, he was called up in the draft, and petitions to the local draft board for religious exemption were denied. He was sent to Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, Battery C of the 724th Field Artillery Battalion, where he served for two years and was honorably discharged.

Following his time in the military, Milt made his way west and joined his parents living on Gregson Avenue in Salt Lake City.

It was here Milt met Carolee McBride, the girl across the street. But that was not yet to be! He was called to the North German mission in 1958. He served honorably and returned home to woo and marry Carolee McBride for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on August 23, 1965.

After marriage, Milt and Carolee moved into their home at 1000 East in Salt Lake City; they stayed there for almost 50 years, raising their three children, Jenna, Kelly, and Joel.

The house was never without a pet or various animals. And while Milt often seemed indifferent to pets, his later years saw him happy to scratch the ears of whatever "pooch" wandered into his room at assisted living.

Milt worked for Chicago Bridge and Iron for 25 years. With the help of CBI, he was able to obtain his education at the University of Utah. He would work in the morning and go to school in the afternoon. He graduated from the "U" in 1971 with his Bachelor of Science in Engineering.

He traveled extensively for CBI working in locations such as Costa Rica, Germany, Italy, and various parts of the US. He was often gone for extended periods, but his kids knew that when Dad came home, there was always something cool for them tucked away in his suitcase. He took great joy in giving his children those small, special gifts.

Following the closure of CBI, Milt worked at various jobs, ending with Unisys at the end of his Mechanical engineering career. Once "retired," he returned to work, working for Salt Lake Community College in their Engineering lab, teaching robotics, surveying, and building electric guitars. There seemed to be nothing he couldn't design or build.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he served in the young men, various bishoprics, and on the high council. He was a valiant home teacher and willing to serve wherever needed. If there was a building project, Milt was in the middle of it! In his youth, he helped his Father, Otto, build the Uniondale ward in New York. Later, he would be instrumental in helping build the Stake Park for the Salt Lake Grant Stake.

He was a constant student of the scriptures. Reading them in English and German until the last weeks of his life. There were church books on his nightstand, beside the couch, and in his briefcase. The Gospel of Jesus Christ was a vital part of his life.

Milt was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved being together as a family, enjoying all the traditions, including swimming, games, and German food. Extended family, neighbors, and friends would fill the Baumgart's backyard for many celebrations.

At Christmas time, it was the lights! So. Many. Lights. The Baumgart house often received cards from strangers who had driven by the place saying how much they appreciated the beautiful lights and what a great Christmas feeling it gave them.

He loved to read and watch Western movies. If it was a Western, Milt was all in! He was a great builder and always had projects in the works. He was always busy helping someone or enjoying a hobby.

Milt was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Elmer Baumgart. He is survived by: his wife, Carolee (McBride) Baumgart; brother, Roy Baumgart (Patti); children, Jenna Baumgart (Gary Ray); Kelly Harris (Lance); Joel Baumgart (Emilee); and 11 beautiful grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The family would like to express a special thanks to the nurses, CNAs, and staff at Meadow Peak Assisted Living and Rehab for their loving care and assistance.

A viewing will be held on Monday, May 15, 2023, at the Salt Lake Grant Stake Building (3151 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT) from 10:30-11:45 AM. Funeral services will be after the viewing at noon. The interment will be at Wasatch Lawns in Salt Lake City, UT.