Gwen Hartlep

In Loving Memory Of

Gwendolyn "Gwen" Hartlep

Gwendolyn "Gwen" Fae Hartlep (Prahm), was born in Chandler, MN, on March 15, 1935, to Elmer and Jennie (Swart) Prahm. The family moved to Slayton in 1939. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church in Slayton. Gwen graduated from Slayton High School in 1953. She met and married her husband, Doug, on June 7, 1957. They moved around a bit while Doug was in the service and working for the railroad, eventually settling in the Fulda area in 1967. Gwen became a member of the Dundee Lutheran church for many years. Gwen and Doug had 5 children together: Tim, Mark, Susan, Alison, and Kyle. She always welcomed friends of her children and grandchildren. She was known as Nana to her 5 grandchildren, Aarin, Mallory, Miranda, Matthew and Kyle, and to her 14 great grandchildren. Gwen worked at Campbell's Soup for 21 years, from 1978 until her retirement in 1997. She formed many friendships during her time there and stayed in touch with several coworkers. Doug passed away on July 2, 1999. Gwen enjoyed cooking and baking, especially for family and her grandkids. She loved visits from her great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed reading, crocheting, and going to garage sales with her friend Syd, who was a great help to Gwen when she moved into her apartment in 2017. Gwen helped with the food shelf and preschool screening. Gwen loved her annual family vacations to Alexandria, a cherished tradition she enjoyed for 30 years. Gwen passed away on July 24, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Society in Westbrook, MN, aged 90 years, 4 months and 9 days.

Gwen is survived by her 3 children: Susan Jarvis of Grand Forks, ND. Alison Smith of Westbrook, MN, and Kyle Hartlep of Gilby, ND. Siblings: Virginia Payne, Minneapolis, MN. Leroy Prahm, Fulda, MN. Sister in laws: Jane Prahm, Savage, MN. Kay Prahm, Lady Lake, FL. Grandchildren; Aarin (Robert) Rocha. Mallory (Andrew) Kowalski. Miranda (Malik) Sampson. Matthew (Abby) Jarvis. Kyle (Mariah) Jarvis. Great grandchildren; Dylan, Bryce, Jacey, Parker and Daisy Rocha. Ethan Hartlep. Madison, Michael, Myrek Sampson. Adrianne, Lilly, Adeline & Harrison Jarvis. Gwendolynn Jarvis. One Great-great granddaughter; Ava Rocha. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.She is preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Jennie Prahm. Husband; Douglas. 2 sons; Tim and Mark. Siblings; Kathleen Prahm Willard (Willie) Prahm, Elmer (Jr) Prahm, Robert (Bob) Prahm. Brother-in-law; William (Peanuts) Payne. Sister-in-law; Ruth Prahm. Dorothy Prahm. Niece; Sonia Payne.

The family would like to thank Good Samaritan Society in Westbrook and Avera Hospice of Marshall for amazing care and compassion in Gwen's final days.

Funeral Services

Christ Lutheran Church Slayton, MN at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 18, 2025. The honorary pallbearers are Kevin Payne, Rob Prahm, Leann Jeffers, Aarin, Mallory, Miranda, Matthew and Kyle. Interment at Slayton Memorial Gardens Slayton, MN.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. The Totzke Funeral Home in Fulda is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, you can donate to Good Samaritan Society of Westbrook, Avera Hospice of Marshall or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.