Baumann Arlene

Arlene Marie Baumann, 77, of Alexandria, died Friday, March 1, 2013 at St. Cloud Hospital from complications after open-heart surgery. Arlene was born January 29, 1936 in Minneapolis, the daughter of John and Wilhelmina (Anderson) Wetternach. She attended grade school in Minneapolis, she then moved with her family back to the family farm in rural Alexandria in 1946. She then attended school down the hill from her home at District 50 School. She transferred to Alexandria High School where she graduated in 1954. After graduation, Arlene moved to the big city of Minneapolis where she met and married a young Navy man, Allan Holleschau. They had two children, Keith and Kathy. The young family were living in Richmond, VA when they were transferred to Yokohama, Japan. From there, they were sent to Subic Bay, Philippines. Arlene loved learning new cultures and making new friends. The family was transferred to New Orleans, LA where Allan was discharged. They moved from there to Houston, TX. The marriage ended there in 1971, but not the friendship. While in Houston, Arlene reunited with a grade school friend from Alexandria, John "Jack" Baumann. A life long love developed and they were married December 29, 1972. To this union were added Jack's five children: Pamela, Timothy, Bradley, Gregory and Kevin. Arlene loved all of her children equally and was very happy with her big family. Arlene was working as a teletype operator at Hobby Airport in Houston, while Jack owned a construction company hanging red iron. The family spent free time camping, fishing and crabbing. When Arlene's father grew ill, the family moved back to Alexandria. Arlene cared for her parents, while Jack took over the scrapping business. After her father recovered enough to allow the family to move, they moved to Rosebud, MT. Arlene tended bar, while Jack went to work as a ranch hand. Arlene loved the west and again enjoyed camping, fishing and gardening. She canned all her own vegetables and her and Jack processed their own beef, deer and antelope. Her father passed suddenly and the family once again returned to the family farm in Alexandria to care for her aging mother, which Arlene did for the remainder of her mother's life. Arlene spent her time as a homemaker, care giver, mom, grandma and wife. Arlene adopted a few more "kids" once back, David Olson and Lana Leedahl. She loved Alexandria, her home, with gusto. She reunited with lifetime friends, enjoyed camping, fishing and gardening. In 1983, Jack worked long hours at Jack's Recycling during the summer, so they could afford to travel. They spent the rest of Arlene's life traveling almost every winter; they put on over 600,000 miles in their "Tin Teepee" RV seeing the country, Canada and Mexico. Arlene loved the adventures, loved seeing her treasured friends and as always, the fishing and camping. During their travels, they sold at fairs and flea markets; Arlene loved the excitement of each new day. Arlene loved many things. Her strong belief in a loving God, her belief that she would be reunited with Jesus and loved ones past, gave her a strong faith. Her love of life, family and friends was always present. She loved to read, go to the casinos, garden, fish, loved her puppy dogs and most especially, she loved Jack. She was happiest just doing anything at all, as long as they were together. Arlene was proceeded in death by her parents, her son Timothy and his wife, Rose, her brothers Johnny, Vernon, Lawrence and her sister Leone and first husband, Allan Holleschau. She leaves behind her loving husband, Jack, her loving children, Keith Holleschau of Nelson; Kathy Hodges (Patricia Puyear) of Alexandria; Pamela Randle of Alexandria; Bradley Baumann (Melody Jungels) of Miles City, MT; Gregory Baumann of Red Granite, WI, Kevin (Michelle) Baumann of Alexandria; David John Olson of Alexandria and Lana (Rod) Leedahl of Alexandria. She leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Thursday, March 7 at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Alexandria. Pastor Scott Keehn officiated. Diane Alveshere provided music. Interment will be held graveside at Lake Ida Cemetery in July when her many traveling friends can be present. Pallbearers were Bradley Baumann and Kevin Baumann. Funeral services were provided by Anderson Funeral Home. Rest in peace, you will be greatly missed.