Ned Baumgartner, 81, of Fort Wayne, died Saturday May 27, 2023 in his residence. Born on October 4, 1941, the son of (the late) Dale and Helen Pauline (Acker) Baumgartner, Ned grew up in Decatur and graduated from Decatur High School with the Class of ’59. After a short time at Ball State University, his zeal for figuring out how things worked and his tenacious talents for fixing most anything led to an apprenticeship and numerous years as a plumber for Industrial Piping & Engineering. In 1983 he began 22 years with Lutheran Hospital, mentoring many in Maintenance & Engineering with his vast knowledge, patience and big heart. In retirement Ned enjoyed his coin collection, researching family ancestry, traveling and playing shuffleboard with his friends. He had an automobile passion and loved sports cars, particularly Porsche, and his heart was often at the lake for fishing, boating and fun times with family and friends. His gentle nature and the infectious twinkle in his eyes drew in many people and will be greatly missed. Survivors include his wife Carol Baumgartner; sons, Brian and Shawn Baumgartner, both of Ft Wayne; stepsons, Randall Correll of Louisville, KY and Daniel (Anita) Correll of Ft Wayne; stepdaughter, Tamara (Craig) Schmitt of Ft Wayne; sister, Pam (Gene) Bienz of Decatur; eleven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave. with calling from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to St. Jude’s Children Hospital or the American Cancer Society.