Gwendolyn Wambold

Gwendolyn J. Wambold, 93, of Winterset, passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Brio of Johnston (a WesleyLife Community).

Gwendolyn Janice Harden was born February 3, 1932 at her parents’ home near Bedford, Iowa. She was the oldest child of Arthur (Pat) and Ann Harden. Two younger brothers, Vernon and Eldon, joined the family. The family settled permanently on a farm in Union County. Gwen attended school at Shannon City Consolidated, graduating in 1949. In school, she enjoyed participating in all activities and especially playing the piano for musical events.

She was accepted to Truman State College after high school, but her mother suffered serious health issues that required an extended stay in an Omaha hospital. Gwen instead attended Creston Community College (SWICC) so she could be nearby to support the family while her mother recouped. After graduating from college, she taught elementary school in Earlham.

In 1952, she married Keith Wambold, and for the next 53 years, they made their home on a farm in Webster Township, Madison County. There they raised their four children.

Gwen was a busy, loving wife and mother, and enjoyed providing a happy, comfortable home for her family and friends. She loved to garden, and every summer prepped and preserved delicious fruits and vegetables that her family enjoyed so much.

Gwen traveled many a mile over the years, transporting the kids to piano, band, and sports practices and games, attending their school events, 4-H meetings, and county fairs. In addition, Gwen served as a substitute school teacher at the Winterset Community Schools for many years, and helped Dad manage and maintain the farm that included hay and grain crops, a herd of sheep, and Black Angus cattle.

Her favorite hobby was raising beautiful flowers of all varieties. She entered her flower arrangements at the local county fairs and was an admired contender in the gardening circle. She and many of the country-neighborhood women were members of the Sunshine Garden Club, and every summer they had enjoyed touring their gardens and sharing ideas.

She continued to play the piano and at many gatherings, she played old-time hymns and holiday carols while the rest sang along. She played for her Brio friends up until last year. She then couldn’t continue playing but still enjoyed singing.

In 2004, Keith and Gwen sold their farm and moved to a home in Winterset. Gwen was a member of the First United Methodist Church, and Winterset women’s clubs. Her own gardening days behind her, she shifted her love for beautiful florals to the hanging baskets around the town’s square, becoming a loyal contributor to the flower fund. A plaque on the lamp post outside the Extension Office recognizes Gwen for her support.

Preceding her in death: her husband Keith, her two brothers, her parents, and her mother-in-law Mildred (Wambold) Boyd, and many beloved cousins and friends.

Gwen is survived by her four children: Dale Wambold and wife Sharon, Denise Jordan and husband Dennis, Debra Hodgson and husband Tony, and Doug Wambold and Lorri Watson. Great-Grandma Gwen (GGG) is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: David (Angela) Wambold and their daughters Gwenna and Clara, Sarah Wambold, Andrea (Jordon) Hiney and their sons Judson and Joel, and Carley (Spencer) Smith and their daughter Isabelle.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 8, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church in Winterset. Visitation will be held prior, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in the Greenfield Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to Friends of Winterset Parks and Recreation (designate Flower Fund) and the First United Methodist Church.