Kathryn E. (Baumgartner) Springer

KATHRYN E. SPRINGER

Kathryn E. Springer, a life-long Genesee resident passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at Bishop Place in Pullman, WA.  She was 101 years old.  Kathryn was born on September 5, 1918 at the family farm 3 miles south of Genesee to William and Kathryn (Hasfurther) Baumgartner.  She attended the Ingle Country School through the 8th grade and graduated from Genesee High School as Valedictorian.  She attended Kinman Business School in Spokane, Washington and worked in Moscow, Idaho for a car dealership as bookkeeper after returning from Spokane. 

On May 5, 1940, Kathryn married Don Springer at the family farm in Genesee, and they moved to Headquarters, Idaho where they operated the post office and general store until Don was drafted into World War II.  After the war, they spent a short time in Orofino, Idaho before returning to Genesee and purchasing an insurance business from William Burr.  Kathryn and Don owned and operated Springer Insurance Company for over 50 years.

Kathryn belonged to the Genesee Community Church where she served as treasurer for over 50 years.  She also was an accomplished pianist and used her talent to provide music for the worship services. She and Betty Hampton played many organ-piano duets at the church.

Over the years, Kathryn has always enjoyed her home and family, and they always enjoyed her cooking and baking!  Music has always been an important part of her life, and she enjoyed gardening, playing bridge, and various community activities.   

Kathryn is survived by her son, Doug Springer (Debbie) Redmond, WA; her  daughter, Linda (Wade)  Hampton, Genesee, Idaho; four grandchildren: Lisa (Eric) Hasenoehrl, Lewiston, Idaho; Sara (David) Mink, Eagle, Idaho; Shelby (Nathan) Miller, Seattle, WA; and Brandon (Rachel) Springer, Monroe, WA.  She has 11 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Don, in 2006; two sisters, Dorothy Bertrand and Irene Magee, a brother, Charles Baumgartner and her parents.

Kathryn was a member of the Genesee Community Church; Chapter AB, PEO; and the American Legion Auxiliary. 

There will be a Memorial Service for Kathryn on Monday, September 23, at 11 a.m. at the Genesee Community Church, Pastor Adam Bentley presiding.  A family graveside will precede the service. A lunch will be served following the Memorial Service at the Genesee Fire Station.        

Memorials may be sent to the Genesee Community Church Memorial Fund, Box 65, Genesee, Idaho  83832;  Shriner Hospitals for Children, 911 W. 5th  Avenue, Spokane, WA  99204 or charity of choice.

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