Susan Beth Baumann

Grafton resident Susan Beth Baumann, 76, passed away Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Fairview Manor in Fairmont, NE.
Memorial services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Monday, August 12, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Grafton, NE with Pastor Andrew Carter officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Grafton Cemetery. In honoring her wish to be cremation there will not be a visitation or viewing.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church or the Grafton Rescue Squad.
Susan Beth Baumann was born to Donald and Marian Baumann on June 21, 1948. She was the oldest of three children.
Susan was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Grafton. She attended elementary school in Grafton and graduated from Sutton High School in 1966. She then attended Kearney State College and graduated with degrees in Piano and Vocal studies. After graduation, she taught vocal music at West Point, Nebraska, for ten years. In 1980, she returned home and worked at Baumann's Steak House before opening the Double Dipper Drive Inn in Sutton in 1985. After closing the Double Dipper, she pursued her full-time writing career in 1994. Since then, she has published over 60 books under the pen name Laura Landon, which have sold over a million copies and have been translated into multiple languages. More importantly, her involvement in local writing groups allowed her to forge many treasured friendships, which she deeply valued personally and professionally.
Susan was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Grafton, playing the organ and leading the choir for many years.
She was preceded in death by her father in 1979, her sister Cindy (Brill) in 2007, her mother in 2013, and her brother-in-law Bob Brill in 2016.
She is survived by her brother Jim and sister-in-law Roxann of Grafton, nephews Zachary Baumann of Lincoln, Aaron Baumann of Grafton, and Niece Megan Gewecke and Tyler of Geneva. Great nephew Drake Baumann and Great niece Palmer Gewecke. Special cousin Patsy "Petie" Thiele of Columbus and many other very close cousins.