Gwen R Johannes

Gwendolyn “Gwen” R. Johannes, age 100, of Blue Earth, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Care Center. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Patton Funeral Home in Blue Earth with Father Parrott officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Blue Earth. Gwen’s service will be live streamed at www.pattonfh.com/obituary/gwen-johannes.

Gwen was born on March 5, 1921 on a farm near Sanborn, IA to Richard and Ruby (Green) Niewendorp. She was raised on the farm and educated country school and high school in Sheldon, IA. Gwen attended two years of teacher’s college at Iowa State and began teaching. On June 7, 1948, Gwen married Leonard Frank Johannes in Ashton, IA. The couple moved to Blue Earth in 1954 and Gwen lived there ever since. After moving to Blue Earth, Gwen worked at Rog & El’s Red Owl as produce manager.

Gwen was a member of SSPP Catholic Church and the Catholic Daughters. She enjoyed volunteering at St. Luke’s, and after Gwen was admitted there, she was known as their social butterfly.

Gwen loved her family dearly. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Jill (Larry) Weckwerth of Wells, and their children, Mike & Clover Weckwerth (Chase) of Apple Valley, Sarah & Trevor Nelson (Shawn & Lily) of Maplewood, Eric & Kristin Weckwerth (Reid, Brennan, Kate, & Griffin) of Rochester, and Guy & Kaitlin Weckwerth (Brady & Adelyn) of Akeley; daughter, Jane (Barry) Wittenkeller of Burnsville and their children, Brian & Ariel (Sage, Trey, & Travis) of Apple Valley, Kristin & David Meyers of Blaine; daughter-in-law, Deb Johannes of La Crosse, WI, and her children, Chris of Pullman, WA, Nicole & Mark Roberts (Emma & Wyatt) of Alaska, WI; and three foster grandchildren, Claira, Calie & Cassie.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Leonard in 1980; son, Lynn in 2013; 2 granddaughters, Alison & Emily Wittenkeller in 1988; and her only sister, Gwelda.