Genevieve Margie Baumann, 77

Genevieve Margie Baumann, 77, longtime Kalispell resident, “left her earthly home” on April 5, 2017.

She was born Feb. 2, 1940, to Emil Henry and Rosie (nee Kasala) Sirucek in Ronan. She was the 11th of 13 children. At the age of 8 Genevieve became ill with Polio. This caused her to spend several years wearing casts and braces. She also endured long hospital stays and several operations on her back. Despite her medical challenges, with the aid of her family, Genevieve kept up her school work and graduated from Bigfork High School. Later she graduated from Northern Montana College.

Genevieve met Arthur Baumann at college and on June 23, 1962, they were married in Bigfork. They both began teaching school in Fairfield and wanted to join the Peace Corps. Genevieve was not eligible due to her medical history and so Arthur and Genevieve moved to Alaska and worked as teachers. They joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and became active members. Their daughters Roselle and Debbie were born in Alaska. Their eldest son Duane was born in Minnesota while they were working on the farm. Finally, Genevieve and the family returned to Montana, where their youngest son Benjamin was born.

Genevieve’s highest priority was her family, and service to others around her. She served on the Evergreen Water Board, and in many volunteer positions with her church, local schools and other local community agencies.

She is survived by her husband Arthur Baumann, her children Roselle (Mike) Harney, Debbie (Andy) McKane, Duane (Barbara) Baumann and Benjamin (Mindy) Baumann. She also is survived by two sisters, Marie Reed and Betty Ferry and two brothers Carl (Norma) Sirucek and Donald (Denise) Sirucek and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and by her sisters Agnes Sirucek, Ruby Smith, and Shirley O’lexy and her brothers Edger Sirucek, Bill Sirucek, Jack Sirucek, Emil Sirucek and George Sirucek.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, April 14, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel located at 1380 Whitefish Stage Road, Kalispell. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery.

Darlington Cremation and Burial Service is caring for Genevieve’s family. Go to www.darlingtonfunerals.com to view Genevieve’s Tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.