A Legacy That Keeps Giving With Ron Baumgartner

Through one thoughtful decision, Ron turned a lifetime of values into lasting support for his community.

The values that guided Ron came from his parents … people who believed in hard work, humility, and helping others whenever they could. Those lessons became the foundation of a life rooted in gratitude and service. As the years passed, Ron began asking a simple but powerful question: How can I make sure those values continue long after I’m gone? His answer was to create a fund at the Community Foundation. He established the fund in 2014.

For Ron, this wasn’t just about giving money. It was about creating something permanent and a way to honor the people he loves and strengthen the community that helped shape his family.

Through the Arch and Della Baumgartner Community Fund, a fund named after Ron’s parents, nearly 30 grants have been awarded to nonprofits to provide food for the needy, protect our lakes, support youth sports, and more! Future generations will benefit from opportunities, programs, and support that may not even exist today. That’s the beauty of creating an endowment at the Community Foundation. It grows beyond a single gift. It becomes a lasting expression of who you are and what matters most to you.

Ron understood that a legacy isn’t built in one moment. It’s built through acts of generosity that continue year after year.

And today, his story offers an invitation to all of us: imagine the difference you could make forever. Creating a charitable fund is a powerful way to support the causes you value.