Irene Baumann

Irene Karla Baumann, 82, longtime resident on the Gunflint Trail of Grand Marais, MN, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 14 at the Grand Marais Hospital.

She was born January 30, 1936 to Charles Edward Wilson and Lucille Marie Eckstrand-Wilson in Richfield, Minnesota, where she grew up.

Irene married her love, John Baumann on June 23, 1956. They made their home in St. Paul, MN and then Duluth, MN. She was a full-time homemaker and for years a head school cook.

Irene was simply called “Mom” by most youth of the neighborhood as she welcomed and fed anyone who would come and visit. Her homemade donuts are legendary, and her chocolate chip cookies are the best.

Irene served in many facets of Cub Scouting with her four boys. She was very proud of her four Eagle Scouts. Irene served in the Lake Superior Boy Scout council and was honored as one of the first three women in scouting to earn the Silver Fawn award, now called the Silver Beaver.

Irene loved camping and spending time with her husband and sons.

In 1976, Irene and John Baumann purchased Golden Eagle Lodge, a small, then seasonal resort on the Gunflint Trail. Moving there, full time in 1980, she saw the expansion of the resort to year-round. Irene is known for keeping a fun filled journal of living in the wilderness.

She retired in 1994, dedicated her time to feeding birds, red squirrels and different wildlife, watching the lake and enjoying her grandchildren. Irene had a steady stream of friends who would call or stop in and visit.

Irene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Baumann, in November of 2016.

She is survived and missed by her family: Michael (Patty) Baumann of St. Cloud, Patrick (Sandra) Baumann of Virginia, MN, Daniel (Teresa) Baumann of Grand Marais, and Kelly (Becky) Baumann of Sauk Rapids; 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on January 12th, 2019 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais, MN.  There will be a visitation with family from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.