Elaine Veronica Baumunk

1923 - 2023

Elaine Veronica Baumunk
Big Rapids, Michigan
April 5, 1923 - July 13, 2023
Big Rapids – Elaine Bechaz Baumunk, 100, lifetime Big Rapids resident, passed away Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Evergreen Terrace, surrounded by her loving family.
Elaine was born on April 5, 1923, the daughter of Joseph and Anna (Zimmerman) Colley, on a farm 5 miles east of Big Rapids. The story goes that the doctor had to walk from Big Rapids with snowshoes on to deliver her because the snow was so deep. Elaine attended a country school through 8th grade and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1941 with honors. During World War II, Elaine worked for Hanchett Manufacturing.
In 1946, she married Joseph Bechaz, and they lived on a farm near Woodville. In 1952, he lost his life in a farm accident. In 1954, Elaine married Lawerance "Red" Baumunk and they farmed west of Big Rapids.
After raising 8 children, Red & Elaine decided it was time to travel. Elaine, Red and the family traveled all through the west, went to Hawaii twice, Jamaica, and to the World's Fair in Canada. Elaine with her family had visited 40 of the 50 states.
To celebrate their 25th Wedding Anniversary in February of 1979, Elaine and Red traveled to England where Elaine's father was born. Elaine also wanted to go to Europe and Asia, so she took a tour and visited Asia countries in 1981, and in 1982, Elaine traveled to many European countries. The couple also traveled to Arizona every winter for a month with friends and to visit family.
In their later years, Elaine and Red loved to dance and went to dances two or three times a week. They had danced together when they were teenagers, and often laughed how many miles they had danced together throughout the years.
Elaine and Red loved watching sports while their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren played. If there was a game, Elaine would be there. She, along with her family, attended 14 professional sports venues. Elaine also baked and decorated wedding cakes and did catering for more than 30 years.
She is survived by two daughters, Karyl Cahill-Bechaz and Bonnie Doorenbos-Bechaz of Grand Rapids; 4 sons, Gary "Butch" Bechaz, Joe (Mary) Bechaz, Randy Baumunk, and Jeff (Jean) Baumunk, all of Big Rapids; 14 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Elaine was also preceded in death by her husband Lawerance "Red" Baumunk, two sons, Harry and Rodney Baumunk, and her brothers George and Joseph Colley.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Burial will follow in the Highland View Cemetery. Elaine's family will greet friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 19, from 6-8 p.m., and beginning at 10 a.m. on Thursday. Memorial contributions in her name may be made for Hospice of Michigan, Spectrum Health Hospice, or the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.