Gloria Jean (Augustine) Baedke

Gloria Jean (Augustine) Baedke, 69, of Fort Dodge, IA, passed away Monday, November 2, 2020 at Fort Dodge Health and Rehab. A private inurnment will take place at Corpus Christi Cemetery.

Gloria was born May 21, 1951 in Fort Dodge, the daughter of J. John Sr and Josephine L (Nocita) Augustine. She graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School. Early in her life, Gloria had worked as a switchboard operator at Friendship Haven until her health would no longer allow it. She was diagnosed at a young age with a progressively debilitating muscular disease. Gloria lived with her parents, also alone in her home, and after a brief marriage again lived alone. As the result of a severe accident, she required additional healthcare and moved into Fort Dodge Health and Rehab where she has lived for the past sixteen years.

As a resident of Fort Dodge Health and Rehab, Gloria enjoyed the company of her caretakers and friendly employees. Gloria loved going to the beauty shop having her hair and nails done weekly and socializing with her fellow residents. She especially liked it when friends were able to visit her, and if she was able to go shopping at the mall. She enjoyed playing bingo and listening to live bands such as Ace and friends and Bare bones trio. Gloria loved to go out to eat or even order in her favorites: cheeseburger and fries, or Community Tavern pizza and a Dairy Queen desert.

Gloria is survived by her sister: Rosemary (William) Rusch (Appleton, WI), her nieces: Susan Mabe (Ft. Dodge), Jill (Mike) Gibson (Scranton, IA) and nephews: Bryan (Mandy) Rusch (Greenville, WI) and Ron Elsen (Cottage Grove, KS), and sister-in-law Mary (Bird) Augustine (Ft. Dodge). She was preceded in death by her parents; brother John J Augustine; and sister Pauline Elsen.

A very Special Thank You goes to all the doctors, nurses and caregivers at Fort Dodge Health and Rehab that attended to Glorias special needs over the years.