Paula W. Bauck

Paula W. Bauck Bruss, 92, Eventide Lutheran Home, Moorhead, MN, died on Tuesday, May 22, 2012.Paula was born January 15, 1920, in Roseau, Minnesota, where she grew up and attended school. She graduated from Bemidji State University in 1942, with a bachelor's degree majoring in Physical Education and Social Studies, and minors in science and English. On June 4, 1944, she married Rupert L. Bauck near Bertha, Minnesota. Paula was a public school teacher in Mentor and Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, before becoming joining the faculty at Moorhead High School. She was the gymnastics coach for six years, including coaching the team to the inaugural District 23 championship. During Paula's 14 years as girls' track and field coach, she coached three state championship teams and had the top-ranked 880 medley relay team in the nation in 1975. Paula was the Girls' Track Coach of the Year in Minnesota three times – 1973, 1974, and 1975.Paula was a pioneer for girls' athletics in Minnesota. In 1968, she helped write the regulations adopted by the Minnesota State High School League that laid the foundation for girls' athletics. Paula also chaired Minnesota's first task force on certification of coaches for girls' teams. She served as president of the Minnesota Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation in 1972. Paula was recognized by Sports Illustrated for her work with girls' athletics and served on the Minnesota State High School League Board of Directors. Paula was a charter member of the Minnesota State Coaches Association for Girls' Sports and in 1979, was awarded the organization's first life membership. Additionally, Paula was coordinator for girls' athletics for the Moorhead Area Public Schools.Paula's work in the area of girls' athletics and coaching resulted in many honors and recognitions to include: selection to the Bemidji State University Athletic Hall of Fame 1979, State Boys and Girls' Track Coaches Service Hall of Fame 1981, FM YWCA Sports Woman of the Year 1981, Bemidji State University Outstanding Alumni Award 1983, Spud Booster Hall of Fame 1986, inaugural Minnesota State High School League Hall of Fame induction 1991, Marie Berg Award 1998, first inductee into the Minnesota Girls' Track and Field Coaches' Association Hall of Fame 1999, Grand Forks Herald honoree as one of twenty coaches, managers, and organizers who made a difference for sports in the region, Northwest Minnesota Women's Hall of Fame 2003, and induction into the Moorhead High School Hall of Honor 2008. In addition, the Minnesota State High School League, via special programs, has recognized her work in the area of track and field and as a pioneer in girls' basketball.Paula retired from Moorhead Area Public Schools in 1983.Paula was an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and a member of the Moorhead Country Club. She enjoyed golf, hunting, fishing, gardening, attending sporting events, and relaxing at the lake cabin. Paula was a loving mother and a devoted wife who was as much at ease at home as she was in her professional life.Paula is survived by her three sons, Rupert Carol, Henderson, NV; Philip Laurie, Milaca, MN; James Margo, Lakeville, MN; five grandchildren, Melissa Mountain, Christopher, Rodd, Peter, and Bryan Bauck; three great-grandchildren, Austin Mountain and Ian and Ava Bauck as well as step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Memorials are preferred to Moorhead Area Education Foundation or Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.A private graveside service will take place prior to the memorial service at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church on Saturday.