Josephine (Chaffee) Baumann, 54, b. March 27, 1970; d. May 22, 2024.
She died peacefully on May 22 with her family by her side.
Jos was born on March 27, 1970 in River Falls. Her parents, Katie and Kirk Chaffee, took her on many adventures. She was the first grandchild born to the Haskins family and was much loved. At 11 months of age, Jos suffered a massive stroke. After a prolonged hospital stay, her parents brought her home and made the decision to move to Madison. Jos loved living in Madison, where she connected with people of all ages and backgrounds. In 1980, the family returned to River Falls, where Josephine graduated from high school in 1988. She spent most of her adult life in St. Paul, Minn., with a brief stint in Las Vegas, Nev.
Despite setbacks related to her stroke and subsequent surgeries, Jos found purpose and meaning in her life. She valued connecting with people above all else. She made friends wherever she went--in school, in the neighborhoods where she lived, and at the nursing home where she recuperated after a fall. She sought to help others and ease suffering. She regularly delighted in reciting Shel Silverstein and Father Fox’s Pennyrhymes. She had a wicked sense of humor and a love of whimsy. One of the nurses she met at her recent stay at Regions Hospital nicknamed her Sassafras.
Jos was preceded in death by her parents, Katie (Haskins) Chaffee and Kirk Chaffee and her sweet kitty, Simon. She was the proud aunt of seven nieces and nephews whom she adored. She had less patience for her siblings, Anna (Joe) Zalusky and Luke (Andrea) Chaffee. She is survived by these beloved family members, as well as her Grandma, Lyda (Molle) Haskins and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and her dear friend Bill Peterson.
Memorials preferred to Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue.
An open house gathering will be held on Sunday, June 9, 2024 from 4-6 p.m. at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (805 E. Division St., River Falls WI 54022). Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
