Jackson, WI – Hedwig “Hedy” (nee Bieri) Gumm passed peacefully on Friday, November 8, 2024, at the age of 98, with family by her side.
Hedy was born on May 23, 1926, daughter of John and Frieda Bieri who came to this country from Switzerland. She was the youngest of 3 children, and grew up in Jackson, WI.
Her parents and brother Reinhold were cheesemakers, and the owners of Bieri’s Cheese Mart. Hedy graduated from West Bend High School in 1944 and then attended Deaconess Hospital nursing program and graduated in 1947 as an RN.
She maintained very close lifelong relationships with her fellow nursing students. Hedy was employed throughout her nursing career as Director of Nursing and later Assistant Executive Director of Cedar Community until her retirement. She was instrumental alongside Rev. Louis Reisch in developing the Cedar Campus including the building of the Ridge. She was also “hailed” for her part in developing the first Alzheimer’s memory care program and facility in the country when she was named by a National Healthcare organization as national employee of the year.
Hedy married the late Clarence Gumm Jr. in 1947 and lived near Gumm’s Corner, Jackson, where Bieri’s Cheese was also located, until 2014 when she moved to Cedar Ridge in West Bend. Following Clarence’s death, Hedy met Jerome “Chappie” Chapman and spent many happy years with her longtime late partner, enjoying many winters with Chappie in Mesa AZ. The Chapman family became a second family to her.
She enjoyed time with family and her many friends. She especially liked swimming and there was a pool at her home that she enjoyed along with family. She also liked playing golf. She took pride in her flower beds and kept the yard looking especially pretty and neat. Hedy was a member of the Henry F. Gumm Legion Auxiliary in Jackson.
Hedy will be missed by her son and daughter in law, Ron and Nancy Gumm; Daughter in law, Mary Yogerst Gumm. Grandchildren: Katie Gumm Xiong, Bee; Nick Gumm, Jess; Lisa Gumm Stowers, Rudy; Erica Gumm D’Amato, Steve. Great Grandchildren: Olivia, Cecelia, RJ, Sam, and Anika Jada, Saraya, Everson, Arlo and Wally. Many other friends, co-workers, and family. She was preceded in death by her parents, son James Gumm; brothers Reinhold and Elmer Bieri; husband Clarence Gumm Jr. and partner Jerome Chapman.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, from 10:00am until 11:45am, with a memorial service at 12:00pm, at Phillip Funeral Home, 1420 W. Paradise Dr., West Bend, WI, with a meal to follow. Burial will take place privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Hedy Gumm Nursing Scholarship Fund (Donations can be made to Cedar Community with a memo stating Hedy Gumm Memorial—113 Cedar Ridge Dr. West Bend, WI. Attention: Philanthropy), or the American Alzheimer’s Association would be appreciated.
The family would especially like to thank the staff at Cedar Ridge and for the last few years, the Cottages for the kind and passionate care she received.
Phillip Funeral Home is serving the family