The Class of 1930

Reuben A Baumgartner
December 30, 1912 - February 16, 2005

Born in Pearl City he was the son of Albert and Laura (Hummermeier) Baumgartner. He married Camille Mears in 1942 and she died in 1969.

He graduated from Freeport High School in 1930, then earned his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in math in 1934, and his Masters in Math in 1935 from the University of Illinois.

A veteran of World War II he taught postgraduate meteorology at the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.

From 1935 to 1940 he taught math in Polo and then at the State University of North Dakota at Fargo.

From 1940 to 1956 he was head of the math department at Freeport Senior High School. From 1949 to 1956 he was director of Adult Education for District 145.

From 1956 to 1972 he was principal at Freeport Senior High School, and from 1972 to 1977 he was head of curriculum for District 145.

It was Reuben Baumgartner who first suggested the idea of establishing a community college in the Freeport area. His dedication to the community and his efforts in adult education earned him the title “the Father of Highland Community College.”

After retirement he was state coordinator of AARP 55 Alive Driving Course, senior advisory committeeman for the Secretary of State, and taught math part time at Highland Community College.

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