Rick Baumgartner passed away on August 28th, 2023, while under Hospice Care at the Mobridge Hospital. At the age of 73, he had lived his life well.  He was not a person that was ever concerned about accumulating material things. He believed that an old suburban, a decent boat and equipment to hunt & fish were all that was needed in life. To say that he was an avid outdoorsman would not even begin to describe his passion for the sport. He believed in living off the land and all creatures harvested were eaten. Rick enjoyed cooking, almost as much as eating. He would make sausage, smoke meats, pickle and can a variety of different foods. Visitors rarely left his Bait and Tackle Shop without something he made tucked under their arm.

He was born and raised in Strasburg, North Dakota, where he also raised his own family.   In his younger years, he helped run the Baumgartner family farm.  His love for all things fishing and hunting led him to purchase his first Bait and Tackle shop in Pollock, South Dakota. He later helped his brother farm and ranch near Pollock and owned his own Haying business.  He ended his years by fulfilling his life dream of owning a Bait and Tackle shop with his son. There right-hand helper was often Ricks grandson, who is known by many as "Squirrel". He spent his days, right up until death, still working and running his Guide Service. He Guided the Missouri River, Fort Peck, Lake Sakakawea, and the Columbia River, throughout his life. He had Guided families through generations extending back 40 years. His passing will mean an end to many family traditions for families that are spread throughout the United States & Canada.

Rick has left behind Mary Baumgartner, the mother of his 3 children.  His children that reside in Bismarck, ND, Travis Baumgartner, Tracy (Baumgartner) Butler, her husband Steve Butler and her children Aarron, Brice "Squirrel", and Jaylah. Youngest Daughter, Tosha (Baumgartner) Nieuwsma, special friend Nate Harwood and her children Riley and Bentley. Siblings left behind are Tom, wife Laura, Mary Susan, Margie, husband Bob, and Ellen, husband Jim. He also leaves behind his Special friend Norma Sjomeling.

Rick is preceded in death by his parents John and Margaret (Miller) and his older brother John Baumgartner.

He will be missed greatly by his fishing and hunting families whose lives and traditions will no longer be the same. The bond he had with people who also valued a love for nature cannot be described.

The family extends an invitation to join us in a celebration of life at the Presbyterian church in Pollock SD on September 16th, 2023, at 2:00pm. Enjoy Pastor Haans' prayer service and story sharing, then you will be welcomed to food & beverages at Big Daddy's on Main Street. Rick pre-approved tasty red-eye for all those to share a toast in his memory.