Obituary: Gladys Anne Genschow

As received from the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel:

Gladys Anne Genschow, age 69 of L’Anse, MI passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2022 in Midland, MI. She was born on April 30, 1953, the daughter of the late Chief Albert and Hazel F. (Gokee) Whitebird Sr. of the Bad River Indian Reservation in Hayward, WI.

She attended St. Mary’s Indian School in Odanah, WI and then went on to Ashland High School. She married Robert “Bob” Genschow in Ashland, WI on August 8,1981. Gladys had worked at the Ojibwa Hotel as a manager and an accountant for Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Center until her retirement. In her spare time, Gladys loved to listen to her 50’s and 60’s music as well as country music. She loved to go to bingo, casinos, rummage sales, and concerts. She was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and enjoyed visiting with her family and her grandchildren. Gladys loved to cook and bake.  She loved the family life and enjoyed cooking for large family gatherings and holidays.  A lot of her time was spent on doing crafts too. She did a lot of jewelry making, dream catcher’s and beadwork which was a trademark of hers.

Gladys was a very gentle and soft-spoken person. She was very kind, loving, caring, and loved family time. She loved her role as a mother, wife, auntie, sister, daughter, and grandmother. Gladys was a good-hearted woman. 

Gladys is survived by her husband of 42 years, Robert “Bob” Genschow of L’Anse, step-sons Robert Genschow of L’Anse, William Genschow of Green Bay, WI, daughters Jodene (Jim) Rasanen of Baraga, Donna (Stan) Fredrickson of Florida, Katrina Genschow of Clarkston, MI, and Rebecca Genschow of Baraga. Grandchildren Justin, Tyler, Toriana, Thomas, Gary III, Chase, Braden, Dorian, Duane, Robert III, William, Christopher, Natasha, and Kayla. Great grandchildren Tate, Lyli, Zane, Minka, Caleb, and 2 on the way. Brothers William and Peter Whitebird of Ashland, WI, sisters Catherine” Cathy” (Dana) Jackson of Odanah, WI, Mavis (Vernon) Kingbird, of Odanah, WI, and Brenda (Lee) Whitefeather of Ponemah, MN. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Albert Whitebird, Jr, sister Angeline Whitebird, granddaughter Ember Genschow, nephew William Jones, and mother-in-law Elizabeth Genschow.

Private family services will be held. Interment will take place in the L’Anse Evergreen Cemetery.

 Gladys’s obituary may be viewed and condolences sent to the family at www.reidfuneralservicechapel.com

The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.