Genevieve Edminster, age 97, loving mother and grandmother passed away, Monday, July 21, 2008, at Webster Manor, in Omro. Genevieve Leah Larson was born in Waupaca, WI on September 23, 1910. She was the third youngest child in a family consisting of five girls, Eva, Grace, Celia, Lula, Margaret, and one brother, Wilbur. Father John was a carpenter and often found work away from the home. Mother Mamie was severely crippled with rheumatoid arthritis and suffered a premature demise. Gen, as a young girl loved to swim, ski and partake in other athletic activities. Later, on entering Stevens Point Teachers College, Gen, stretching to be 5' tall, was informed she was too small to endure the rigors of a phy ed major. Completing school in the depression years, she obtained employment as a teacher in the Waupaca area.

Through her older sister she met her future husband, Vinton Harvey Edminster, the brother of the man marrying Gen's sister. As was often typical of the time of World War II. Gen and her family moved from rural Wisconsin to Chicago to be part of the manufacturing war effort. After the conclusion of the war, the family moved to Omro, WI which became Gen's home for the remainder of her life. With the continuation of husband Vint's deteriorating health; Gen returned to school at UW Oshkosh and received her B. Ed. at the age of 55. She taught until retirement in the Shawano School District. She lost her beloved husband in 1967, at the age of 60.

Gen's life was permeated by her Christian faith. She completed the last two years of high school, away from school, in the home, providing care for her invalid mother. She taught Sunday School Classes and served on committees and offices in the Baptist and later Presbyterian Church for most of her life. She individually arranged for and provided a home for a Viet Nam refugee woman for five years until the woman was able to locate her own family. Gen was a good neighbor in the community. She often visited the homebound and provided meals, transportation, medical assistance, shopping and companionship. In addition to supporting her church, well over 50% of her mailings consisted of solicitations and thank you's from charitable organizations which she heavily supported well into her 80's. She was still a volunteer at the Omro School System, assisting young children with their reading. Gen's very active single retirement life also consisted of Homemaker and Book Clubs, church groups, volunteering as a guide at the Paine Center, golfing, traveling, sewing, caring for her flowers and baking blue ribbon awarded pies for her extended family. Most important in her life was her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Gen raised and cared for four children, Carol Ann Palfenier (Dan) who proceeded her to the heavenly realm. She is survived by sons, Don (Rose), Dale, and Larry (Kitty) who reside in La Crosse, Tampa and Oshkosh respectively; nine grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren; sister, Margaret Hirte of Indiana, other relatives and many friends. We are grateful to her, happy for her and will miss her until our reunion.

In respect to Gen's memory, the family will greet relatives and friends at the Omro Funeral Home on Thursday, July 24, 2008 from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and then again on Friday, July 25, 2008 at The First Presbyterian Church, 955 N. Webster Ave., Omro from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the funeral service at 10:00 A.M. with Rev. Edward Slusser officiating. Gen will be laid to rest in the Omro Cemetery.