Obituary of Henry William Baumgardner

Henry William “Hank” Baumgardner passed away January 22, 2023, in Olympia, Washington, due to COVID 19 Pneumonia. He was born November 3, 1943, to Henry Willis Baumgardner and Jeanette Alice (Brady) Baumgardner in Portland, Oregon. He resided in Yelm, Washington, the last 20 years, in the Olympia/Lacey for about 20 years, and also in San Jose, California, and Portland, Oregon.

Hank served two tours of duty in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1967. He then served in the Washington State National Guard for 22 years before retiring. He completed high school while in the Army (1962) and obtained an Associate of Arts Degree in 1977 from San Jose City College.

He married Wanda Lee (Dodgen) Anderson on October 21, 1968. She passed away May 12, 2015.

Professionally, Hank worked in Information Technology and Quality Assurance. He was employed as Information Technology Specialist at Defense Contract Management Agency (Boeing), Seattle, Washington (2001-2010). He also worked as Quality Assurance Specialist (1986-2001) for Defense Contract Management Agency Pacific in Japan; Defense Contract Management Agency (Boeing), Seattle; Det. 17 AFCMC 01 in Rochester, England; AFPRO, The Boeing Company, Seattle; and DCASMA, Seattle. He was a member of the American Legion, Moose Fraternity, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).

Hank was a person who always saw the glass half full. He loved life and always tried to see the positive side of life. He loved to share stories about his family and, being the oldest of six children, he knew the history of his family better than anyone. Hank loved sharing all his life adventures, his time in military and government service, his travels around the world and in the United States. Hank was a pilot and he loved taking flight whenever he could. He also was a deep sea scuba diver.

Hank would tell everyone his wife Wanda was his one true love and soul mate. He loved his home and took pride in its appearance and maintenance. He loved the landscaping of his home and spent many hours keeping the yard in shape.

Hank loved sport cars and took pride in all his autos. They were in showroom condition. You did not find a speck of oil or grease in the engine compartments.

Hank’s career in Quality Assurance also applied to all aspects of his life; you would hear Hank say, “It Has To Be Done Right.” He really loved his coffee, especially Starbucks coffee and he spent many hours sharing his life adventures over coffee with his friends at the Starbucks in the Safeway store in Yelm.

Hank loved life and lived his life to the fullest.

He is survived by his brothers, Jerry D. Baumgardner, Vancouver, Washington, and Roy J. Baumgardner, Coos Bay, Oregon; stepdaughter, Lynn Riemer, Portland, Oregon; stepson, James K. Anderson, Milwaukie, Oregon; three grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Wanda L. Baumgardner (2015); father, Henry Willis Baumgardner (1986); mother, Jeannette Alice Baumgardner (2012); brothers, Robert P. Baumgardner (2008), Patrick J. Baumgardner (2010); sister, Donna J. Ostrander (2019); and one grandchild.

Private services with military honors will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, Washington.

Memorial donations may be made to The American Legion.

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