Gail Diane (Floyd) Baumann

Gail Diane Baumann Obituary

On the evening of July 29, 2024, Gail Diane Baumann passed away in the presence of family after a swift illness took her life—but not her spark.

Gail was born in Duluth, MN, on July 3, 1942, to Minnie and Lester Floyd. Her father told her that fireworks were created just to celebrate her birthday, and everyone around her knew that it must have been partly true, because Gail was a firecracker. Stories of her youth were plentiful, with tales of the waves of Lake Superior crashing on their car. She always had a story to tell, and sometimes twice!

In the early 60s Gail moved to Golden Valley and met Ervin Baumann. They knew right away they were a good pair and married in short order. At the beginning the newlyweds lived in a New Hope, MN, apartment and owned a service station. Later they settled in Crystal, MN, and had three rambunctious boys who were the pride of their lives: Todd, Troy and Trent. Everything from Christmas stockings to undies were labeled T1, T2 and T3 to keep things straight—Gail was the ultimate organizer. Her life as a mother was never dull, toting her sons to hockey at all times of the day and night, while still working. The refrigerator was always stocked with pitchers of Kool-Aid as she was the “neighborhood mom” to more than her own, and loved every minute. Gail worked in education at School District 281 for 31 years. Some days she sat behind the desk and listened as the children told her stories of why they were late, or forgot a jacket or lunch, and in return she gave them love—or a highly-raised eyebrow (that was her trademark).

Gail and Erv vacationed with their family at Bailey’s Resort in Walker, MN, for many wonderful summers. They always dreamed of moving north when they retired, and they made that goal happen in 2007. For the past 17 years they became part of the Walker community. Gail was in the bell and singing choir at Hope Lutheran, as well as being a part of their quilting group. She knitted cross squares by the hundreds and mailed out birthday cards to congregants. She also became dear to people in their neighborhood and down the road at Moonlight Bay Resort. The golf cart Fourth of July parade wasn’t complete without her decked out cart, faithfully decorated by her grandkids each year.

The “bright shining stars” of Gail’s life were her grandchildren. Maggie, Sadie, Sean and William. She was fiercely proud of each of them in all they did. She would boldly say “That’s my girl!” or “That’s my boy!” for every good grade, big fish, sporting event, or just winning a hand of cards (although she did not like to lose, she would concede with a twinkle in her eye that we all knew was pride in a hand well-played). Gail was not only a Grandma, but an advocate and cheerleader for each of them, always with open arms and a warm, soft hug.

Gail was unapologetically herself 100 percent of the time. She could be sassy, bold and stubborn. But with that same intensity she was kind, loving and faithful. Her heart was always with her family, first and foremost, and she will be missed with the same intensity that she lived her life.

Gail is survived by her husband Ervin; children Todd (Brande) Baumann, Troy (Vickie) Baumann, Trent (Andrea) Baumann; grandchildren Maggie, Sadie, Sean and William Baumann; plus many dear, close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. with a visitation starting at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Northern Peace Funeral Home in Walker, MN. Pastor Matthew McWaters will officiate. Gail will be interred in the State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls, Minnesota.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

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