At the age of 2 ½ her Father died, leaving her Mother with the great responsibility of raising a very young family.

Gwen grew up in Albert City and attended the Evangelical Free Church, accepted the Lord at an early age, was baptized and confirmed in the church, sang in the choir and attended many youth and later adult church conferences. If the church lights were on, Gwen was usually in attendance.

Gwen graduated from Albert City High School in 1933. She worked in Albert City at Nelson’s Dry Goods Store, Mohr’s Grocery Store and at the Albert City Savings Bank, following graduation. As her older brothers graduated and went to Des Moines of Minneapolis to find work, they would faithfully send money home to assist with the family expenses. Her brother Abner sent home an allowance of 35 cents each month, to pay for violin lessons for Gwen.

One summer evening while attending a twon band concert/ice cream social in the park, she met Marshall Hagedorn of Chicago, who was visiting friends in Albert City, June 13, 1948, Gwen and Marshall were married in the Evangelical Free Church in Albert City – and at the age of 33, left her Mother and her home, for the first time. The move to the Chicago area was a “huge adjustment.” Marshall traveled during the week and Gwen often cried for her Iowa family and her home. Time and meeting new friends soon would soften the drastic changes. They were now active in a church in Calumet City, Illinois and Gwen finally felt a “touch of home,” in that church.

February, 1962, Marshall died following a period of illness. (They had no children) Because Gwen has always loved being with people, she now had many church friends and her family, to encourage and comfort her at this time.

Gwen’s first job following Marshall’s death, was at Upper Avenue National Bank on Michigan Avenue, in downtown Chicago, and shortly thereafter, she moved to the north-side of Chicago, where she lived for many years.

Prior to retirement, she worked for 20 years originally setting up an entire accounting department, for American Society of Oral Surgeons, in downtown Chicago. The office had a staff of Gwen and 2 other employees. She worked diligently to set up the office, over-see finances and eventually handled the books for over a One-Million-Dollar Budget. As the office staff grew, Gwen was loved and appreciated by all that worked with her. Retirement was in June, 1986, at the age of 71.

Gwen now had time for winters in Florida, with her brother, Carl, and summers in Chicago, with her niece, Jonele. (Gwen and Jonele have lived together since February, 1974) Making friends was easy for Gwen and she always enjoyed her time with her family and friends. Whether in Illinois or in Florida, her friends and family were in touch. And as many of you know, Gwen became and “AUNTIE GWEN” to many that knew her.

In November, 2004, Gwen fell and broke her hip and has used her walker for almost every step since then. She has been fortunate in that each winter, she has still been able to return to Florida.

On October 26, 2009, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Gwen silently and peacefully slept away. She was 94 ½ years of age. Gwen was preced in death by her parents, her husband, Marshall, and her 6 brothers: Elmer, Clarence, Rueben, Carl, Abner and Paul, and her 2 brothers-in-law, Roy and Esburn Hagedorn- and all sisters-in-law. Left to always love and to remember her kindness and gentle ways, are her many nieces and nephews and their families – and her many friends.

For “Auntie” – no more pain – and she’s now walking in heaven – with Jesus, with – out her walker, and on the streets of gold. Can it get any better than that?

God Bless the memories of our dear “Auntie Gwen.”