Former Minster resident Irwin R. "Sparky" Baumer, 88, St. Marys, died at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6, 2011, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital.

He was born May 26, 1923, in Minster, to Bernard and Bernadine Sextro Baumer. On May 19, 1947, he married Eileen T. Eisert, who died Jan. 9, 2009.

Surviving are children, Daniel (Catherine) Baumer, Orlando, Fla., Linda Baumer, Minster, Beth (Jim) Hinker, Minster; a sister, Alma Halsey, Brookville; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Deceased are two brothers, Philip Baumer and Sylvester Baume, and a sister, Jean Trissel.

He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, Minster. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Eagles, all in Minster. A U.S. Army veteran, he served during World War II.

He worked at G&W Tool and Die, Marwell Products and Fort Recovery Monuments. He volunteered at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital and worked at St. Augustine Cemetery.

Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Thursday at the church, the Rev. Rick Nieberding officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery, with military rites by the Minster Firing Squad.

Calling is 3-8 p.m. Wednesday and 9-9:30 a.m. Thursday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.

Memorials may be made to Otterbein St. Marys Life Enrichment Center.