Rosalie Gertrude (Wambdi Ska) Baer

ROSALIE BAER “WAMBDI SKA” {White Eagle}  1933 -2017   Rosalie at age 84, left to join her heavenly family and friends on Monday, August 14, 2017 at her home in Woodlake, (Tokio), ND with her sisters Edna and Ida Mae by her side. Beloved wife of the late Rudolph “Bud” Baer (1984), she is survived by her two loving sons Mike Baer and Rock Baer both of WoodLake.   Visitation will be Friday, August 18, 2017 at Gilbertson Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Saturday will be at St. Michael’s Catholic Church two hours prior to Mass.   Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am Saturday, August 19th in the St. Michael Catholic Church, with Father Charles Luete, celebrating the Mass.  Interment will be held in the St. Michael Cemetery with a time of remembrance meal in celebration of her life’s gifts following in the Tekawitha Center.  Honor Song by Earl Bullhead. Pallbearers will be Rosalie’s Grandsons and Nephews. Honorary Pallbearers; Hilda Garcia, Sharon Georgeson, Edna McCaslin, Ida Mae Cavanaugh, Darlene Wadsworth, and Peggy Cavanaugh. Rosalie was born in the month of March and raised in the St. Michael area of the Spirit Lake Reservation. She was the oldest daughter of the late Clarence and Mabel (DanceEagle) Cavanaugh.  Growing up, her fondest memories were her time spent staying with her two grandmothers, helping her Mom prepare for the Rodeo and Pow Wows sponsored by her family annually and riding horse.  She attended school at the St. Michaels Mission, graduating from Stephan, SD.  As a young lady she ventured to California to live and work, meeting her husband there. She had many fond memories of hosting other family and relatives who came to join her in California and all the adventures they shared.  She then lived in Nebraska until their family moved back home to ND.  Upon her return she worked in various jobs until beginning her work career with the Tribe in various departments over 40+ years.  Her qualities of hard work, integrity, being a hustler for assuring successful service provision, being straight forward with honesty and caring, shined through in all her accomplishments and contributions she left for the people she served, the Tribe and her family. She encouraged “you can do it” and be successful, but have fun and enjoy too. She was an example by attending college in her 70’s.   Her 20 years in elderly service work was recognized at the national, state and local levels for innovative development and sustainability of elderly services. She taught that you always work to improve what you do for the people you work for and with.  She initiated the ground work for the first elderly services programming for the Tribe, including meals, transportation, and home visitation.  After this her work continued by assisting in the developing and contract compliance for all the federal community, rural water and sewer projects managed by the Tribal Health Department.   She was part of the team that worked on the new Solid Waste Program and new EMS building project for the Tribe.  She shared her years of wisdom serving on the Housing, College Board of Regents, Health and Senior Services Boards for many years representing her community district.  Her heart and passion for her family and community were a strong legacy.  Much of our Tribe’s history and knowledge has left with her. Her most important priority “positions” were “Grandma Rosalie” and “Auntie Rosalie”.   Pitching in to love and help in raising some of her grandchildren through most of their lives and then on to helping with great grandchildren.  She was always there to listen, caring and sharing her guidance and advice when needed.  Her favorite times were spent watching her favorite tv shows, traveling and visiting with her sisters and playing prize Bingo.  She shared with all her family and relatives the importance in keeping of family traditions gathering at holidays, birthdays and special events.  She was sure to be there to support and enjoy each extended family activity and special occasions; we always knew she would be there with and for us. Rosalie is survived by her two sons Mike and Rock, seven grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; brothers Herman “Cap” Cavanaugh, William “Billy” Cavanaugh (Debbie), both of St. Michael; sisters Edna McCaslin, St. Michael and Ida Mae Cavanaugh, Tacoma, WA.; special cousin Darlene Wadworth; god children, many nieces, nephews and large extended family. She is preceded in death by her husband Bud, granddaughter Nikki Baer, parents, brothers Jackie, Robert and Benjamin Cavanaugh, sisters Evelyn, Doris, Amelia “Pokey” Richotte and Marie Gaking. Special thanks to her many friends, co-workers, and family who shared Rosalie’s lifetime of living and work.