Edeltraud Maria Michalik Baumgarten sweet, loving wife and mother of seven children entered eternal life on May 15, 2025, at the age of 89. Two of her loving daughters Dorothy and Linda were by her side. Linda has been her loving caregiver for over three years.

Edeltraud was born in Breslau, Germany on May 3, 1936, to parents Alloysius and Erika Michalik.  She endured the hardship of surviving World War 2 as a child.  She worked in the German Allgemeine Elektricitäts-Gesellschaft AG (German for General Electricity Company).
Edeltraud immigrated from Germany to the United States at age 18, after her love Horst sent for her to be here with him.  She was a homemaker initially raising her 7 children, while cleaning houses.  She then worked as a seamstress at Tough Traveler and then as a master seamstress at the Carl Company in the drapery work room.

Edeltraud's greatest joy was being with her children and grandchildren, always joked that she "came here to populate America."  She took pleasure in doing things with her husband and children, it didn't matter what it was, as long as she was surrounded by her family. Sailing with Horst, boating, swimming and camping at Dun Loggin' campground for over 46 years, where she would constantly tell our father to turn the German music down, that he had blaring for all to hear. You never wanted to tell her she couldn't do something because she proved it wrong. "You can't hike up the mountain, it's too much at your age." Forget it, she took her canes and hiked up. She went all the way to the top, "I can see Sand Island from here!" She also loved teaching her children and grandchildren German traditions and songs.  Edeltraud loved baking, sewing, knitting and crocheting.   Edie, as known to her friends, was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Luke's Church Altar Rosary Society. Edie was a Third Order Carmelite, professing her vows many years ago.

She was the loving Oma to 24 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.  One just born a couple weeks ago. Edeltraud is predeceased by her love Horst, her first born child Michael, her parents Alloysius and Erika, her brothers Thomas, Franzel and Joachim; her grandchildren Joseph and Suzanne Pobee-Mensah. Edeltraud is survived by her brother Wolfgang (Karin) Michalk, her seven children:  Martin (Kathy) Baumgarten, Dorothy Pobee-Mensah, Paul Baumgarten (Sophie Frank), Thomas (Pamela) Baumgarten, John (Daiva) Baumgarten, Lisa Marie (Kevin) Pope and Linda (Joseph) Quant.  Also, daughter-in-law Suzanne Jette, beloved relatives Dieter Paul and Eleanor-Ann Olbrich and Bruno (the late-Ruth Tolge and children), several nieces, nephews and sisters-in-law.

Calling hours will be held at the Gleason Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.  Following the calling hours, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 noon at St. Luke's Roman Catholic Church, 1235 State Street, Schenectady, NY.  Burial to follow at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.