Yvonne D. (Baker) Gensmer

Yvonne D. (Baker) Gensmer, age 88, of Rollingstone, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 14, 2025, in the comfort of her home on the family farm.

She was born on October 6, 1936, in Winona, to Donald L. and Bernice M. (Kobler) Baker, and was a graduate of Winona High School. She was united in marriage with Hilbert “Hib” Gensmer on June 6, 1959, at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Norton, and he preceded her in death on November 11, 2008.

In addition to farming with Hib, she was employed with Merchants Bank, Standard Lumber, as well as owned and operated the Liquor Locker in Lewiston for many years.

She was a member of Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church at Norton, and will be remembered for her enjoyment of bowling, playing cards (especially 500), and dancing. Her family was very important, and she was a dedicated caregiver for many years to her daughter, Buffy.

She will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Yvonne is lovingly survived by her son, Kevin (Kris Amidon) Gensmer, Rollingstone; daughter, Dawn “Buffy” Gensmer, Lewiston; grandchildren: Tyler (Brittani) Gensmer, Fountain City, WI; Drew (Grace) Gensmer, Winona; and Ethan (Nicole) Gensmer, Fountain City, WI; great-grandchildren: Wesley, Evelyn, and Vivian; sisters: Jane Baker and Judy Baker, Winona; brother, Gene (Janice) Baker, Minnesota City, MN; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hib; her parents, Donald and Bernice; and her sister, Ruth Whittaker, Brentwood, TN.

Funeral services will be held privately. Yvonne will be laid to rest at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Cemetery in Norton.

Pallbearers will be: Edward Heyer, Jeff Michalowski, Scott Brink, Adam Reps, Bryan Brown, and John Hammann.

Memorials may be directed to the Winona County Developmental Achievement Center.

Yvonne’s family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to Winona Health Hospice, and especially to her sisters, Jane and Judy, for the excellent and loving care given to Yvonne and to Buffy.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Yvonne’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home of Winona is assisting the family with arrangements.