Gloria Mae Frances Baumberger

Gloria M. Baumberger, 80, of Sioux City, passed away on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at St. Lukes Hospital, with her children at her side. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2007 from 3-8 p.m. with the family present from 6-8 p.m. A vigil service will then begin at 7:00 p.m. at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. A funeral mass will held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 19, 2007 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with Father Merlin Schrad celebrating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Gloria was born on September 1, 1927 to Merritt Stone and Ester F. (Savary) Carlson in Sioux City. She grew up in Sioux City and attended Bryant Elementary, North Junior High and graduated from Central High School in 1946. While growing up Gloria worked at her fathers store, Carlson Grocery on 34th and Jones St. After High School, Gloria attended Wayne State College and Sioux City Business College. After school she began working at Wilson Trailer Company as a secretary. She later moved to California where she met her future husband James Baumberger. James followed Gloria back to Iowa and they were married on April 15, 1950 at the Cathedral of The Epiphany in Sioux City.

After their marriage they farmed for 8 years in the Humboldt, SD area. They moved to Pomona, CA for a year, and moved back to Sioux City in 1959, where she was a home maker and independent business woman.

Gloria loved her dog Angel, fishing, gardening and spending time at her cabin in Spirit Lake. She also enjoyed sewing, and cooking for her family and friends. Other hobbies included real estate, investments, current events and educational reading. Gloria was a healthy and vibrant woman who took the best possible care of herself and her family. She loved to share her knowledge with her children.

Gloria is survived by her children, Stephen Baumberger and wife Sandy of Indianola, IA; Sharon Miles and husband Rick of Spirit Lake, IA; Anne Cutsinger and husband Terry of Sioux City, IA; Thomas Baumberger and wife Lori of Arena, WI; and Barbara Gleiser of Brandon, FL, 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren on the way. A brother Merritt Carlson and wife Gladys of Ft. Collins, CO; and 2 sisters, Joyce Strahan of Arcata, CA; and Joan McDermott and husband Harold of Sioux City, IA.

She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Susan in 1953, her mother in 1971, her father in 1972, and husband James in 1995.