Joseph Lee Baumgartel Sr.

Joseph Lee Baumgartel, Sr., age 91, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2026, at his home in Albertville. Born on June 27, 1935, Joe was the son of the late Reverend Louis Baumgartel and Ada Barger Baumgartel of Madison, Indiana. He developed a keen interest in science and math at a young age and pursued his dream to become an engineer, receiving a degree in physics from Hanover College and later completing graduate studies at MIT Lincoln Labs. He lived a remarkable life advancing scientific innovation. As a result, during his thirty-seven-year career, he was a part of engineering teams that launched Apollo 8, put Skylab into orbit, analyzed military intelligence, and implemented effective security procedures for nuclear power plants. As a civilian, Joe was very aware of the importance of safeguarding the men and women of the U.S. military. His work at Redstone, in the successful development of the TOW missile and the Bradley Fighting Vehicle used in military combat in Desert Storm, was especially important to him. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his sisters, Dorothy (Wardner) Medders and Ruth (Wayne) Miller, and his brother, Louis David Baumgartel. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Wanda Henry Baumgartel, and five children, Rebecca Baumgartel Bowling (Chris), Joseph Lee Baumgartel, Jr., (Karen), Todd Baumgartel (Missy), Leesa Baumgartel Pittson (Chris), and Kristen Baumgartel Kent (Alex). A great joy of his life was spending time with his grandchildren (Joseph, Kelly, Blake, Austin, Bryson, Sam, Skyler, Brooke, Kohl, Caroline, and Charlotte), especially if that time was spent playing golf or fishing. A Special blessing came later in life as great-grandchildren arrived. What a joy he found in the visits and shared photos of Kinley, Colin, Jones, Brooks, Dash, Grayson, Annie Kate, Briggs, and Brady! Joe was a man of faith who dearly loved his church and his Savior. The memories he created and the values he instilled will continue to be cherished by his family and friends. The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Adams Brown Service Funeral Home from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM with the service following at 2:00 PM in the Chapel. Flowers will be accepted; however, those wishing to make a memorial contribution may consider making a donation to Southside Baptist Church in Albertville or the American Cancer Society.

Joseph Lee Baumgartel Sr.

June 27, 1935 - August 8, 2026