Hardly any man has shaped life in the community as much as Baumgartner. The trained automotive and agricultural machinery technician not only set up his own car workshop. In addition, he devoted all his energy to the common good in Ampflwang. In 1961 he went into local politics as a municipal councillor. From 1979 to 1994 he was mayor of Wolfsegg and significantly expanded the infrastructure – from the road network to water and sewer lines to the new elementary school. Baumgartner was a founding member of the water association in 1982 and became its chairman in 1990. He only resigned from this position in January of this year. Until then, the former mayor worked tirelessly for the water supply and raised awareness of the importance of a safe drinking water supply.
Baumgartner was omnipresent in society until the end of his life. He regularly visited the club meetings and the voluntary fire brigade. There wasn’t a concert by the local bands that he didn’t listen to. He played cards, could be found in the tavern at lunchtime and always had time for a chat when he was out shopping.
“Sepp was humorous and liked being around people,” says Mayor Barbara Schwarz. “He liked to travel, was open and interested. He trusted people and also treated the younger ones as equals. Sepp listened to the views of other people and had the size to revise his own opinion as well.”
At the mourning candles that were lit for Josef Baumgartner, someone wrote on a note: “The office does not honor the man, but the man honors the office.” A thought that applies to Baumgartner.
After a short, serious illness, the heart of Wolfsegg’s honorary citizen has stopped beating. Josef Baumgartner leaves behind three grieving sons and a group of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were his pride and joy. Wolfsegg lost more than one respected former mayor. The place will be missing a wonderful person.
Source: Nachrichten
