Gwendolyn Joyce Griger

Gwendolyn Joyce Griger, 84, died Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at her home in West Des Moines. Funeral services will be 1pm Sunday, February 9th at Tifereth Israel Synagogue. Burial will follow at Jewish Glendale Cemetery.
Gwen was born August 5, 1940 in Cedar Rapids to Meyer and Rose (Rapaport) Rosen. She was a graduate of Washington High School in Cedar Rapids and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Spanish from the University of Iowa in 1962. Gwen taught school in Kenosha, WI before moving to Cleveland, OH and working as a Social Worker. She returned to teaching grade school for a few years in Chicago, IL and then moved to Des Moines. Her move to Des Moines proved to be the best move of all as it is where she met the love of her life, Harry Griger. The couple married on August 29, 1971. Gwen's career in Des Moines took her to Younkers and to Von Maur, and last to Wellmark where she worked 18 years, and retired in 1996.
Known as a tremendous cook, Gwen enjoyed entertaining. She made sure there was always more than enough food, and no one left hungry. Her family and friends nicknamed her brownies, "Gwen's Blue Ribbon Brownies" and they were in high demand for celebrations. Gwen was an avid reader, known to annually read 200 books. Recently, she donated much of her collection to the West Des Moines Public Library. Memberships included Tifereth Israel Synagogue where she served many years on the Women's League board. She enjoyed playing Scrabble, Bridge and other card games. Gwen was a true friend and had many lifelong relationships. She will be remembered for her generosity, kind heartedness, and humor.
Survivors include her husband, Harry Griger of West Des Moines; cousins: Terri (Nelson) Smith of Duluth, MN (and their daughter Dori Streit), Sandra Rapaport of Minneapolis, MN; niece, Dani (Jason) Wynn of Denver, CO (and their children: Emma & Sam); nephew, Bradley (Sue) Ullman of Seattle, WA (and their daughter, Reilly) sister-in-law, Marti (Jeff) Grazi of Denver, CO. Gwen was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorial contributions may be made to Tifereth Israel Synagogue or the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesFuneralHomes.com
Arrangements by Iles Dunn's Chapel
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