Yvonne "Vonnie" Elaine Bausman

Yvonne “Vonnie” Elaine Bausman, 91, of Benson, Minnesota, died on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at Scandi Haven Village, in Benson. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am to 11:00 am, on Friday, December 16, 2022, at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am. Interment will be in the Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church Cemetery, in Benson. Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Yvonne Elaine (Tostenson) Bausman was born on February 9, 1931, in Chippewa County, Minnesota, to Arthur and Pearl (Blom) Tostenson. She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. She grew up on a farm near Milan and graduated from Milan High School in 1949. She enrolled in the teacher’s training program in Madison, Minnesota, after high school and taught in country schools in the area.

On December 27, 1952, Vonnie was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Wendell Bausman, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Milan. The couple was blessed with two sons and 66 years of marriage.

Vonnie always knew she wanted to be an elementary teacher and served in that capacity from the time she finished teacher’s training until she retired in 1993, except for the years they were stationed in Texas. She went back to obtain her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Minnesota, Morris, and graduated in 1971. She was a favorite teacher to many and loved to read books to her classes after their recess. In her letter to the school board for retiring, she jokingly requested her severance be five dollars for every time she said the Pledge of Allegiance. The request was denied but everyone got a good chuckle.

Vonnie enjoyed spending time with family and friends, teaching, gardening, feeding birds, working on their hobby farm, traveling with Wendell, and attending concerts and sporting events of her children and grandchildren. She loved being the “farm grandma” and was happiest when her family was all together. She was an excellent host and particularly liked entertaining during the Christmas holidays.

Vonnie was a member of Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church where she participated in Our Redeemer Women groups, Circle Bible study, directed the Cherub Choir, Senior Choir member, and served on various church boards.

Vonnie passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at Scandi Haven Village in Benson. She attained 91 years, 9 months, 4 weeks, and 1 day of age. Vonnie is survived by her children: Kevin (Peggy) Bausman of Benson and Brian (Kristin) Bausman of Detroit Lakes; grandchildren: Molly (Jared) Weismantel of St. Paul, Anne Bausman of St. Paul, Megan (Jason) Huus of Perham, Rachel Bausman of St. Paul, and Nathan Bausman of Detroit Lakes; great-granddaughter, Fallon Huus; brother, Dave (& Jan) Tostenson of Glenwood; and sister-in-law, Maxine Tostenson of Madison. Preceding her in death were her husband, Wendell, in 2019; her parents; sister, Jan (Tostenson) Rieppel; brother, Art Tostenson; and sister-in-law & brother-in-law Jerome & Donna (Bausman) Jerve, and numerous cousins.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Scandi Haven Village and CentraCare Hospice for their compassionate care and support for Vonnie and her family. Blessed be the memory of Yvonne Elaine Bausman.