Tedd Baumgardt

Tedd Monroe Baumgardt, 77, of Clarks Grove, passed away at St. John’s Woodlands on January 2, 2025, surrounded by his wife and children.

Tedd was born on November 22, 1947, in Winnebago City, MN. He grew up in Albert Lea and attended Albert Lea High School where he met the love of his life, Judy (Nelson) Baumgardt. After graduating high school in 1965, Tedd attended Concordia College - St. Paul where he was enrolled in the Lutheran pre-seminary program before transferring to Mankato State College where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Sociology in 1969.

Before graduation, Tedd and Judy were married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea on June 22, 1968. Tedd and Judy moved to Springfield, Illinois where Tedd attended Lutheran seminary for one year before returning to Albert Lea to take a position as a social worker with Freeborn County Social Services. Tedd and Judy moved to Clarks Grove, MN in 1976 and have lived there ever since.

After working 17 years at the County, Tedd took a new position at Hecla, Inc. as the director of group homes in Albert Lea and Austin, serving the mentally ill community. During his tenure at Hecla, Tedd’s role expanded to provide assistance to other group homes around the state. While working at Hecla, Tedd pursued a post-graduate degree in Continuing Studies at Mankato State University, graduating with a Master of Science degree in 1992. He also taught courses at the community college level in Albert Lea, Austin and Owatonna. Tedd worked at Hecla until retiring in 2012.

He was a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church and served on the church’s council, served as a visitation pastor, and taught Sunday school classes. Tedd enjoyed painting, reading, rock collecting, and spending time with his wife and two children.

Tedd is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judy, his two children, Paul Baumgardt (and Heather Bradley) and Lori (Baumgardt) Hein, and two grandchildren, Lucas and Vincent, his twin brother, Todd, sisters Gail and Avis, brother-in-law Larry Nelson, and nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Carley “Delilah” Baumgardt, and Sheri, his niece. He will be remembered for his genuine interest in the well-being of others, gentle demeanor, compassion, and quick wit. He will be greatly missed.

A Funeral service for Tedd Monroe Baumgardt will be held at 10:30AM on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, with a visitation beginning at 9:30AM. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery.