Susan "Sue" Baumann, age 72, of Mahnomen, MN, died Thursday, February 27, 2020, at Sanford Health, Fargo, ND.

Susan Jane Pooch, the daughter of Larry and Evelyn (Halter) Pooch, was born in Springfield, MN on April 9, 1947. She grew up in Lamberton, MN where she attended school.  As childhood friends and high school sweethearts, Sue's heart always belonged to her first love, Kenneth Baumann.  Following their high school graduations, the couple furthered their education at Bemidji State University.  They were united in marriage on January 4, 1969 and that spring received their Bachelor's Degrees.  They student taught in Deer River, MN and shortly thereafter were offered full time positions with the Mahnomen School District.  Sue lovingly taught 1 ^st grade in Mahnomen her entire teaching career. She was also a busy mom as they were blessed with four children, Jenny, Gina, Katy and Ben.   Sue was always very involved in the school, her community and her children's activities. Sue truly loved teaching and being around children.  After 34 years of helping little minds grow, Sue retired in the fall of 2002.  They made their home on Tulaby Lake but loved to travel. They were blessed to spend nearly 20 summers in Sitka Alaska and following retirement, many winters in Hawaii.

She was an avid sports fan!  Sue was a passionate supporter of the Mahnomen Indians, especially the football program.  She was a steadfast face in the stands cheering them on at every game.  Sue was also a fierce Minnesota sports fan, always an optimist as she watched her Viking, Twins and Gophers.   In her quiet time, Sue enjoyed tending her flower gardens and reading.    Being very generous with her time and talents, Sue was involved with many organizations but was especially active in the Catholic Daughters and the Mahnomen Historical Society. She was instrumental in the High School Academic Lettering program and in the development of the book club. Sue cherished her relationships with her fellow teachers and looked forward to the retired teacher's night out.  She absolutely loved to visit and made new friends at every opportunity.  She was also a deep listener and was often a comforting shoulder to those in need.  Sue's pride and joy were her grandchildren. Grandma enjoyed watching all their activities and was known to make the best cinnamon rolls.  Sue was a kind, classy and generous woman who touched so many lives.  She will live on in the memories of her family, friends, and students.

Sue is survived by her husband, Ken of Mahnomen; her children: Jenny (Chuck) McNamee of Nevis, MN, Gina (Grant) Gunderson of Crookston, Katy (David) Boehm of Issaquah, WA, and Ben (Trisha) Baumann of Naytahwaush, MN; twelve grandchildren: Jack, Luke and Grace McNamee, Gunnar, Emma and Evelyn Gunderson, Ryan, Kendall and Natalie Boehm, and Jillian, Gabriel and Zachary Baumann; one sister, two brothers, Steve (Mary) Pooch of Forest Lake, MN and Charlie (Jeannie) Pooch of Roseville, MN; Sandra (Charles) Goerish of Tracy, MN; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Larry and Evelyn Pooch; in-laws, Frank and Anna Baumann; brothers-in-law, Donald, Richard and Vincent Baumann; and sister-in-law, Barbara.

Although flowers are beautiful tributes, Sue's family prefers that donations be given in her honor to the Mahnomen Historical Society, Catholic Daughters St. Justin Court 2020, or Sanford Hospice House.  Memorials given to the family will be used to purchase children's books, in an effort to continue Sue's advocacy for youth literacy.