Service Details
A private family ceremony will be held at a later time.
Memorial Suggestions
Memorials can be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Children’s Wisconsin-Milwaukee Hospital, or ASPCA.
Gwendolyn “Gwen” Sandkuhler passed away at home peacefully with her husband by her side on January 24, 2022 after a long and courageous battle with dementia. Gwen was a loving, caring, outgoing and wonderful wife, mom, and grandma. Her family was everything, and she loved them so very much.
Gwen was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana on October 5th, 1948 to Arthur and Louanna Gutmann. Gwen was the second oldest of four children. She was preceded in death by her older brother, Roger, her father, Arthur, her brother-in-law, John Ginter, her father and mother-in-law, Henry and Norma Jean Sandkuhler, and her brother-in-law Steven Sandkuhler. She will be loved and deeply missed by her younger sisters, Janel (Doug) Harber and Marylyn Ginter, her brother and sister-in-law, Marc and Kathy Sandkuhler, her three sons Scott (Jenny) Sandkuhler, Brian (Heather) Sandkuhler, Kevin (Sarah) Sandkuhler, her nine grandchildren, Marissa, Claire, Jeffrey, Jared, Connor, Andrew, Lincoln, McKinley, and Preston, and many other nieces, nephews and cousins.
Soon after graduating from Elmhurst High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Gwen married her high school sweetheart, Henry (Hal). They moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin where Hal finished school and they began to raise a family. She was fortunate enough to be able to stay home and raise her children until they were older. When the boys were older, she worked for Pranges/Younkers/Boston Store and Carpetland USA.
With the nest empty, Gwen lived her life to the fullest. She and Hal were members of the 5th Street Yacht Club where they pursued their passion to boat. She loved her boating family. Their boat, The Rainmaker, was used to its fullest, making trips across “the big pond” to Michigan and up and down the Wisconsin coastline. She especially liked her trips to Sturgeon Bay. Gwen and Hal loved to travel. They took cruises to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Panama, Hawaii, and Alaska. She loved to “road trip”, whether it was going to casinos, visiting family, or chasing after her grandkids while they played sports. Gwen treasured her family time and really enjoyed watching the grandkids play sports, go to school functions, and just get together.
Those who knew her loved her. She was truly a kind, caring, loving human being. Freedom from the body that had trapped her will be welcome as the next time we see her we will be in a better place where we can once again talk, laugh, and reminisce about the good times.
The family would like to thank all of the family, friends, hospice workers, and hospice volunteers that have helped with her care over the last couple years. Words can not express our gratitude
Mike and Kathy Schiro says
We were so sorry to hear about Gwen’s passing. We always enjoyed seeing her at the grandchildren’s many games. We always liked talking with her at the many celebrations at Scott and Jenny’s house for the grandkids special moments. She will be missed. Our prayers and sympathy to the whole family.
Hank & Ruth Ann Miller says
Hal & Family,
Our heartfelt sympathy during this difficult time.
Melissa and Steve Diener says
Just wanted to let you know we are thinking of you and praying for your family . Gwen was a amazing grandma always at everything for Connor Marissa and Jared. I know this is going to be a huge hole in your family. She will be sadly missed. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Hal and Gwen your marriage is a perfect example of being there for each other , what a gift to your children being raised in such a beautiful loving caring marriage
Bill and Cindy Harris says
Hal, or sincerest condolences for your loss.
Sue and dave suprak says
So sorry for your lost. Are prays are with you.
Seamas O'Meagher says
My Heart felt prayers for you and family…
Kevin Peterson says
My sincere condolences. She was always nice to me. She was like a second mom to me when I was always by your house.
Bobbi and Steve Nelson says
Our thoughts are with You and your family. Sending Love❤️
Sheila and Bob Gamble says
We are so very sorry to hear of Gwen’s struggles and passing. She was a sweet, kind-hearted person who supported her boys. She came to every possible baseball game Scott played on our team. We enjoyed time spent with the Sandkuhler family. She will be deeply missed.
Marilyn Nail Platt says
Hal and all the family,
This breaks my heart. She was one of the sweetest girls in our class at Elmhurst. And she married a great guy. It was so neat to see you at the fiftieth class reunion. You were both very easy to recognize. My deep sympathy to all of you
Linda Hartman Fagen says
Hal, so sorry for your loss. I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and my prayers.
Linda Herman Scheumann says
Hal and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I’m glad we got to catch up at the fiftieth reunion. I know of the sorrow you bear but happy for the long and loving life that you had together. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Megan and Travis Clark says
We are so very sorry to hear about Gwen. We always enjoyed seeing you both at the kids’ birthday party. I hope all of your memories from all your time together and memorable vacations can offer some peace and comfort during this time. We will be keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this heartbreaking time.
Laurie and Dennis Van Buskirk says
Hal, our sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Lil & Bill says
Hal, Bill & I are broken hearted to here of Gwen’s passing. Please take comfort in knowing your angel is at peace watching over you & her flock. She will be missed by all who knew her as she was loved by all. I will always remember her with great fondness and the great trip the four of us took across the Big Pond.
Mike Andorfer says
Hal and the Sandkuhler family, I’m very sorry to hear about Gwen. Growing up, when I would visit your house, it was always filled with her humor, laughter, and love. I will always remember that. She raised an incredible family. Our sincerest condolences. Mike, Donna, Natalie, and Charlie Andorfer.
Bev Johnston Doehrman says
Hal, so sorry for your loss…I remember her from high school…from her picture she hasn’t changed too much since then….you are in my prayers..please take care of yourself.
Denny & Ashley Quella says
Hal, sorry to here the news about Gwen. She was special and her smile was priceless.
God bless you and your family.
Anonymous says
Hal so sorry to hear of the sorrowful news about Gwen, I hope you are doing well yourself and be joyous to know how many people truly loved her.
May the future be bright for you.
Very sincerely ,
Woodie Klepfer
Dianne Abbott Lengerich says
Hal, so sorry to hear of Gwen’s death. My heartfelt prayers go out to you and your family.
Neil and Kathy Loomis says
We were shocked and saddened to hear about Gwen! We always looked forward to seeing her at the club. She will be greatly missed but always remembered for her fun and kindness!
Dan & Julia Kelley says
Dear Hal, so sorry to hear of your loss of sweet Gwen. I remember how happy and loving you two were at the Elmhurst 50th class reunion. What a blessing to be able to spend over 50 years of your life with such a precious loving wife. I was looking at a photo album from high school where we were up at the lake. We all knew then that you two belonged together. May the Lord bless you and your family in this time of grief. Be assured you will be together again.
Tia Mishleau says
Hal and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Gwen. I was just thinking of her the other day and all of the good times and laughs we had. Bowling, joking around, Ft. Myers, Prange’s, and Carpetland. Sending you on trips. Hugs to you all! Bless you all!
Cathy-Lynn (Cuadra) May says
Hal, Scott, Brian, Kevin and families,
My heart aches. Gwen was my buddy at Pranges, my bridesmaid and my sweet friend. Prayers for peace to the Sandkuhler family. God Bless
Mike Palecek says
I am so sorry to hear of Gwen’s passing. Gwen had a passion for life and for what she believed was right. I always respected her courage in expressing her opinions, and also for the love that she had for Hal and her boys. She was a very dedicated mother. It was a blessing to have known Gwen. Hal, my prayers are with you in this lonely time.
Fran Triebe says
Dear Hal,
We lost touch over the years. John and I are driving through some beautiful farmland right now and for some reason, Gwennie popped in my head. I googled and my heart is so very sad. I worked with her at Racine Younkers. She was the epitome of the perfect administrator. Such a wonderful person! And such a lady! Her family was everything to her. I’m grateful to have known her. I’m sorry this is late. But wanted to express my condolences.