Gwen E. Podeweltz, age 70, of Merrill, passed away Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at Pine Crest nursing Home under the care of Ministry Home Care Hospice. She was born February 1, 1946 in Merrill to the late Harold and Frances (Jensen) Coyer. In August of 1961, Gwen and Earl Podeweltz were united in marriage in Dessmark, Michigan. He preceded her in death on June 6, 2004.
Gwen attended grade school at Sunny Slope in Gleason. Over the years she worked various jobs from cleaning to serving at Hardees and Burger King and waiting on customers at Jim Kryshak Jewelers. Gwen enjoyed casino trips and fishing. She also loved camping and was always the last one to bed because she sat around the campfire so late. Gwen enjoyed garage saling and baking Christmas cookies with her sister, Marilyn. She had a deep love for her cats, Smokey and Angel. Most of all Gwen loved talking and visiting with family and friends at all hours, day or night. Family time was most important to her, especially with her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors include her six children: Phyllis (Larry) Simon, Merrill, Phillip (Crystal) Podeweltz, Tomahawk, Steve Podeweltz, Unity, Kim Johnson, Gleason, Kelly (Kristen) Podeweltz, Mosinee, and Shelby (Syrina) Podeweltz, Merrill; 17 grandchildren: Ginger (Aaron) Osness, Andrew (Jessica) Simon, Christopher (Jennifer) Simon, Travis, Brad, Justin, Keith, Dustin, and Melanie Podeweltz, Mindy (Richard) Meehean, Michelle (James) Brown, Lindsey (Savannah) Johnson, Sierra, Cayden, Jaelyn, Andrew and Natalie Podeweltz; 12 great-grandchildren; and one sister: Dana (Wayne) Podeweltz, Merrill. She was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Earl Podeweltz, parents, one brother, Richard Coyer, seven sisters, Marilyn Boyd, Ada Hodgson, Donna Bennish, Gayle Bergen, Linda Doering, Phyllis Doering and Sally Coyer, special friend, Milton Giese, three grandchildren, Evan Podeweltz, Taylor Osness and Kaleb Podeweltz, and a son-in-law, Robert Johnson.
Funeral services for Gwen will be held at 11:30 Am on Friday, December 2, 2016 at Waid Funeral Home. Rev. Gustafson will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of service, also at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Gleason Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to help with funeral expenses are greatly appreciated. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.