Barbara Sue Gensch

Known as “The Deer Whisperer” at her home in Georgetown, Texas; Amateur Radio Operator K5BSG; U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Officer; “The Story Book Lady” at Children’s Network preschools (Austin and Round Rock, Texas); and children’s book author of “Look Before You Leap,” BARBARA GENSCH (born Thanksgiving Day, 26 Nov 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin) gave love, giggles, and smiles to everyone around her. She suffered from a combination of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia during her last few years, but was immensely blessed to receive incredible loving care from the caregivers at Holland Home’s Raybrook Campus: Cook Unit in Grand Rapids, Michigan during her final year.

Barbara Gensch, sweet, adorable, fun, loving wife of Larry D. Gensch (world travel partner for 66 years) and mother of Tammy Maté-Peterson (John Peterson) and Daniel Gensch (Vicki), went with her guardian angels on the 6th of May, 2026. Those greeting her on her next journey are her beloved parents Betty (née Bannerman) and Carl Maltsch; brother, Carl Maltsch Jr.; parents-in-law Roberta (née Edwardson) and Edgar Gensch; and son, Richard Gensch.

She leaves many loved ones who will miss her, including grandchildren Shane Maté, Marissa Maté, Amanda Robbins (Brandon), and Alex Parrish; great-grandchildren Owen, Presley, and Hudson Robbins; former son-in-law, Timothy Maté (Jenny), former daughter-in-law, Cheryl Grose (Curt); “adopted children” Lan Yang (Ping Chang) and Troy Kimmel, Jr.; and her best friends, also known as her fellow “Golden Girls,” Susan Dunbar and Sandra “Sandy” Payne.

A private family celebration of Barbara’s life will commence on a day and time to be determined. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in their guestbook online.