"To die will be an awfully big adventure" -JM Barrie, Peter Pan

Gwendolynn "Gwen" Wenszell began her eternal journey on February 1st, 2024, at age 84. She was born in Racine, WI on November 4th, 1939, to Russell and Marion (Dibble) Culver. Gwen was a beloved wife, sister, mother, and grandmother.

Gwen and Bill were married in June of 1960 in Racine and moved to Appleton, WI. They had a daughter, Dawn and a son, Jim. They also had a dog named Dusty, whom Gwen adored. Gwen worked as a Medical Technologist in Appleton for many years.

In the early 70's, their neighbors, the Beaudos introduced the Wenszell family to camping. This became a lifelong passion for Gwen and Bill. Their family camped in various National Parks throughout the US and Canada, as well as in Wisconsin and surrounding states. In addition to camping, Gwen and Bill traveled to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Fiji, and Mexico. They also visited Hawaii many times. In 1998, Gwen was able to complete her lifelong dream of traveling to Australia and New Zealand. After her only grandchild, Annalise Ross, was born, the family continued their adventures. They vacationed at Lake Buckatabon every year and went to Disney World and Alaska. Gwen and Annalise had hoped to visit the Panama Canal, but that will be fulfilled by surviving family in her memory.

Throughout her life, Gwen was part of various Masonic organizations: Job's Daughters, Order of the Eastern Star, Daughters of the Nile, and Shrine Auxiliary. She held many stations, including Worthy Matron of Fidelity Chapter OES, Queen of the Nile, and President of Auxiliary. In 2012, she was honored to serve as Grand Ruth, a state office, for Eastern Star. She was also an active member at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Appleton. Gwen loved playing cards and belonged to multiple bridge groups. In her free time, she could be found watching crime shows, scary movies, and late-night talk shows on the television with a glass of Riesling.

She is preceded by her parents, brother James "Jim" Culver, son James "Jim" Wenszell, and her loving husband William "Bill" Wenszell. She is survived by her daughter Dawn and granddaughter Annalise (Aman). Gwen touched the lives of many with her joy and humor, and will be dearly missed by those who knew her.

Gwen's family would like to thank Allay Home Hospice and Cindy for the compassion they showed their family "monarch". Since 2018, Gwen lived at Harbour Village in Greendale. We know that many people there will miss seeing her smiling face.

Memorial Gathering Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 3:30PM to 5PM at THE FUNERAL HOME. Celebration of Life to follow, at 5PM, including Order of the Eastern Star Memorial Service and Daughters of the Nile Memorial Service.

Donations in Gwen's memory can be given through the Shriners Children's website.