The HDSPCA is a non-profit organization that is bonded together by volunteers to help animals in need
04/24/2025
In loving memory of Victoria “Vikki” Bernice Bauml 🤍
The Humboldt & District SPCA is deeply saddened to hear of Vikki's passing. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time. We are truly grateful and honored that you have chosen the Humboldt & District SPCA to receive memorial donations in Vikki's name. We would like to acknowledge the generous bereavement donation of $250 from Nutrien, made through the wishes of her son Chris Bauml, who is employed by the mine. Additionally, we thank Janice and Orville Becking from Manitoba, and Marci Becking from Ontario, for their thoughtful donations added to the memorial on Vikki's behalf. Your combined generosity will help us continue our mission of caring for animals in need in our community. Thank you for thinking of us and for supporting our work in such a meaningful way.
Obituary:
“Victoria Bernice Bauml, 92 years of age, of Humboldt, died peacefully at Bethany Pioneer Village on February 23, 2025, with members of her family at her side. Vikki was born on November 23, 1932 to Nicholas and Mary (nee Paradoski) Trach. She grew up on her parent's farm in Runnymede, along with her four sisters, where she worked hard tending to the cattle and a large garden. She did well academically and was active in many school sports. She received her teaching certificate in 1951 and worked at a number of schools in the Kamsack and Lake Lenore area. It was at one of the many dances she attended in Lake Lenore that she met her life partner, Ray Bauml, a local Marysburg farmer. They were married on July 18th, 1955, and began married life on their mixed farm, welcoming six children over the years.
Over and above being a busy farm wife, Vikki found time for quilting, macrame, yoga, gardening, and baking. Many of her quilts were gifted to family and she made special baby blankets. She taught yoga both at her home and through courses offered through Carlton Trail Community College. Cooking and baking weren't her favourite things to do, but everyone who partook of her efforts thoroughly enjoyed them. Her gingersnap cookie recipe has been adopted by many in her extended family and her freshly baked bread was a favourite!
Vikki had a pioneer spirit, embodying the ethic of hard work and the principles of reuse, reduce, recycle before it was a 'thing'. She also enjoyed playing cribbage (especially when she could skunk a certain son of hers) and she was a master at Trivial Pursuit. She loved dancing and would grab whichever child happened to be walking through the kitchen when the Saturday Night Dance Party was on the radio for an impromptu waltz or polka!
As the children grew up and moved away, Vikki turned her pursuits to her flower gardens and circular shaped vegetable garden, bingo, casino trips, and some travels with Ray. She created an atmosphere on the farm that her grandchildren will remember fondly – endless space to run around in, trees to climb and delicious food and treats – especially popsicles, unlimited raspberries and fruit leather.
In her later years, Vikki could be a solitary person who was content with reading, writing letters, working on crossword puzzles, and paint-by-numbers. Many of her paintings are now proudly framed and displayed on the walls of friends and family. Many of us will miss her regular letters – an art form that has lost a dedicated advocate! But she did love meeting new people and had a knack of getting to know all about them in a short amount of time. She especially enjoyed her visits with the Home Care staff that came to help her each week. Mom dearly loved getting out of her 'four walls' and being taken to the VLT machines for an afternoon of fun!
Following the amputation of her left leg at age 87, she was an inspiration to all as she continued to live independently up until a few months before her death.”
