The Florentine Opera has announced the death of Donald Baumgartner.

The company said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Donald Baumgartner, one of Milwaukee’s greatest champions of the arts and a foundational pillar of the Florentine Opera family. ”

Baumgartner served the company as a dedicated board leader and Life Director and in 2017, he and his wife, Donna, made a landmark gift to formally name and endow the Baumgartner Studio Artist Program.

He was also passionate for supporting young performers and attend the Pasta & Puccini event, which showcased the Baumgartner Studio Artist alumni.

Baumgartner was an entrepreneur, visionary, philanthropist, and civic leader, who was the CEO of Paper Machinery Corporation. He was also a supporter of the Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Ballet, Milwaukee Film, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Milwaukee Symphony, Next Door Foundation, Milwaukee Rep, and Sculpture Milwaukee.