Gwenda "Gwen" Groskurth

Gwenda Ann (Gwen) Groskurth, 88, of Albert Lea, MN, passed away at her home on February 16, 2025.

Gwen was born at her parent's home in rural Fayette County, IA, on November 14, 1936. She was the only child of her parents, Minnie Rose Springer Geyer and Walter Charles Geyer. Gwen attended Bethel #8 country school at Richfield, IA, and graduated high school in Sumner, IA, in 1954. She attended Wartburg College, Waverly, IA, from 1954 to 1955. Gwen met Wilhelm Albert (Bill) Groskurth at a dance at the Coliseum in Oelwein, IA, in December of 1953. On May 26, 1957, they were united in marriage at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Richfield, IA. She and Bill continued to enjoy dancing throughout their 66 years of married life.

Gwen made good use of her business courses over the years, including working in the registrar's office at Iowa State College while Bill was finishing his degree. They moved to Manchester, IA, in 1959 after Bill graduated, where their first two daughters, Karen and Lynne, were born. The family moved to Osage, IA, in 1962, and their third daughter, Mary, was born there. The family enjoyed traveling and tent camping. In 1987 Gwen and Bill moved to Albert Lea, MN. After retirement (Gwen from Mrs. Gerry's Kitchen), they continued to travel, camp, visit their family, and spend time with friends.

Gwen was a musician. She began piano lessons at the age of five and continued lessons through high school as well as taking organ lessons. She shared her love of music with many, serving as organist in varying capacities for several churches, playing piano for many events, and singing in church choirs and community groups. Gwen taught piano lessons for many years, with her first students being her own daughters. She was also very artistic; her creativity appeared in multitudes of sewing, painting, and arts and crafts projects, including her time as a Girl Scout leader for her daughters, quilts created for her grandchildren, and her beautiful flower gardens.

Gwen was active in Grace Lutheran Church as a member of Grace Lutheran Church Women, the sewing group, and Senior Choir; as a substitute organist; and serving on the mission team with Bill.

Gwen had a wonderfully full life. Although she dearly missed Bill after he died, she embraced life to the end. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Gwen is survived by her daughters, Karen (Rick) Wilson, Lynne (Dave Schramm) Groskurth, and Mary (Scott) Senne; five grandchildren, Royce (Alyssa Ahn) Wilson, Meghan (Sam Arends) Senne, Caitlin Senne, Jena (Dillon) Vogt, and Tyler Senne; sister-in-law, Maxine Losen; cousin-in-law, Norma Springer; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents and parents-in-law; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Leon (Dorothy) Groskurth, George (Marjorie) Groskurth, Walter Groskurth, and William Losen; and by many cousins and cousins-in-law.

A memorial service for Gwen will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor Shane Koepke officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, St. John's Lutheran Community in Albert Lea, and the Ecumenical Food Pantry (at First Presbyterian in Albert Lea).