Her brother, Garth of Moosehead Lake, Maine was at her side. She had been a resident there since January of 2025.
There will be no visitation or funeral service. A private graveside service will be held, and a Celebration of Gwen’s Life will be held at a later date. The Bosma-Gibson Funeral Home in Prophetstown is assisting the family with arrangements. A memorial to the First Lutheran Church in Prophetstown has been established.
Gwen was born on 22 April, 1950 in Morrison Hospital to parents Dean C. and Marjorie J. (Gibson) Gardner.
Educated in the Prophetstown School system, she graduated in 1969 and went to work as a babysitter for local families. Over the years, Gwen worked for 4 families shepherding at least a dozen children who have grown up to be Prophetstown’s best and brightest. They were her Magnum Opus.
Gwen was very active in the First Lutheran Church family for her entire life. She sang in the choir, was a dutiful student in the Confirmation Class; later teaching Sunday School, assisting the Superintendent, helping maintain the Church library, among the many opportunities to serve the Church.
Gwen spent much of her time looking to the future by continuing to care for children; she was very involved in seeing to the needs and development of her nieces (2) and nephew (1) who love her dearly. This happy pastime gave Gwen the opportunity to travel a bit; from Kansas City to California and then Connecticut. She was good-natured about the travel, but always glad to be home in Whiteside County.
In later Life, Gwen became caregiver for her Mother, Marjorie; first at our family home and eventually for 4+ years at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Prophetstown. She walked to Good Sam every day for that span of years to be with her Mom. She kept her company every day at Good Sam and stayed very engaged as an Activities Aide for several years after Marjorie passed away.
Gwen is survived by her brother, Garth (Kelly) Gardner of Greenville, ME; two nieces and one nephew: Bailey (Ted) Rose, Lindsay (Trevor York) Gardner & Sully (Coral Hinkley) Gardner; three great nieces & nephews: Austyn Rose, Barrett Rose, and Theo Gardner.
She is preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters, Marcia and Francia.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude for all the “lovingkindness” shown to Gwen during her time at Resthave Home in Morrison, where she formed many friendships. From the front door to the kitchen, Gwen knew that she was somebody in God’s Love.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gwen, please visit the floral store. Online condolences can be shared at bosmarenkes.com.
8 Responses
Our sympathy to the family. She was such a kind person and always award nice to visit with at Good Sam🙏🙏
I had the privilege of taking care of Marj & Gwen’s yards for many years & i enjoyed talking to both marj & Gwen during that span. Bob & Sharon
Gwen and her mother, Marge, were our next door neighbors when we moved to Prophetsown, and Gwen would soon become a big part of our family. She lovingly cared for our older two grandchildren when they were babies and toddlers. Many hours were spent visiting with her on our porch, in our gardens, and later in our store. Gwen eventually became a part of our family’s Christmas get togethers. Her kind nature will be remembered fondly by our children, our grandchildren, and Les and me.
So very sorry for your loss. Gwen lived a great life touching so many. She will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers are with her family.
I remember Gwen as a kind and always smiling kid around Prophetstown. It sounds to me that she accomplished quite a lot in life. My deepest condolences to Garth, the rest of Gwen’s family, and her many friends.
Gwen watched my children when I first worked and watched 6 of them. Actually she was the preschool teacher before they entered kindergarten. They did arts and crafts with her and loved her. She was so kind and patient always asking about them if I happened to see her out walking and we met. Visited her in Morrison and could see the residents enjoyed her smile and conversations.💕
Gwen was the kindest person. So sad to hear this. I was one of the ones she babysat 😢
I had many years knowing Gwen, and every one of those years showed a very sweet girl. I feel sad that she is done with her good works with the Good Sam folks. I’m sure everyone will miss her and her constant kindness. I haven’t seen her since graduating in 1968, but have never forgotten her. She was a super person and everyone just had to love her. RIP, dear lady.