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Gail Barwis Obituary
Gail Lund Barwis, age 64, of Oshkosh, passed peacefully from this life to our glorious Heavenly Father at her home on Tuesday, August 20.
Gail, daughter of Louis S. Lund Jr. and Virginia K. Lund, was born on May 1, 1949 in Everett, Mass. Gail graduated from Everett High School and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree from Simmons College in Boston and a PhD in Mass Communication from Michigan State University.
Gail was a loving mother and devoted wife who cherished her children, championed her husband, and always had a freshly-baked treat ready for the neighborhood children. Her care for others shaped her professional careers in teaching, journalism, and Christian ministry, and showed in her writing, art, and baking. As her children grew up and began their adult lives, she devoted herself to prison ministry, serving as a chaplain at Taycheedah Correctional Institution near Fond du Lac. She recently retired after serving 10 years in that position.
Gail is survived by her loving husband Bill; son and daughter-in-law, Peter Barwis and Heather Price, son and daughter-in-law, Andrew and Erin Barwis; brother Ronald Lund; sister Virginia Castor; and Bill's parents, Bill and Eleanor Barwis. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Joanne Hayworth.
Services will be held at Appleton Alliance Church, 2693 W. Grand Chute Blvd., Appleton at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 23, 2013 with Rev. Jeff Brown and Rev. Brian Dainsberg officiating. Visitation will be at church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Compassion International or Special Olympics of Wisconsin.
205 W. Doty Ave.
Neenah 722-7151
Online condolences:
www.westgorfuneralhomes.com
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Affinity Group medical staff and the pulmonary staff at UW Hospital in Madison for their excellent care.
Westgor Funeral Home
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gail Barwis
Beth Laurent
September 2, 2013
Dear Family,
We just learned today from one of the women at TCI of Gail's home going. We were so very blessed to know and work with Gail as we sent our Bible College courses to TCI. She was such a loving and gracious woman with a quick smile and word of encouragement. We learned more about the love of Jesus just by watching her.
She was always so kind to the women she worked with even in very difficult circumstances. She could be direct and confronting, yet even in those times the Love of the Lord showed through to those able to receive.
We will miss her! What an addition she will be to the "great cloud of witnesses" !
May the Love of the Lord give you strength and comfort.
Dr. Beth Laurent, President
Dr. Dana Bonelli, Inmate Studies Director
For His Glory Bible College
New Berlin, WI
August 30, 2013
Dear Bill and family,
We returned from a long camping trip to a pile of newspapers...and reading through them I saw obituary for Gail. I was surprised...Wonderful writeup and nice photo. :) I warmly remember working with her years ago at AAL. She brought a competency and caring to our work which was appreciated by our team. I know she bought those skills and others to her life in many ways.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Peace+
Chuck and Deb Steinbach
Appleton
Shawna Lund
August 26, 2013
Bill and family, thinking of you. Hugs from Maine. Love Shawna, Ashlynn and Ronnie Lund
August 26, 2013
Gail and I shared many wonderful moments. Even though we only got together at work, she was a light and a love that shown so brightly in my life. She was there when I needed her and I believe I was there for her when she needed it too. She was such a loving and gracious person. I will always remember how she taught me the true meaning of forgiveness. What a gift she was to me and all the others she touched in her life. Her family is truly blessed to have had her as their mother, wife, sister, and daughter. I wasn't working at TCI when she retired and I wish I had been able to see her but that wasn't meant to be. Dear Gail, I will never forget you. You brought so much love and support into my life and the lives of the women at TCI. Thank you for your gift of knowledge that has brought me so much peace and serenity. You are an Angel.
Laura Detert, Fond du Lac, WI
Doug and Lisa Browning
August 25, 2013
Bill and family,
Our deepest sympathy to your family over the loss of Gail. She ALWAYS had a sweet smile and soft voice. I will never forget 18 years ago when she was soooo concerned for our son, Jacob, who was sick here at camp. She was a true prayer warrior for our family. Our prayers will be with your family.
Mary Pleuss
August 23, 2013
"Death is like blowing out a candle because the dawn has come..."The light Gail spread for so many here on earth is now shared face to face with the Source of her Light! We rejoice for you Gail while we weep with your family's loss. Thank you for being you. Mary Pleuss
Kathryn Thorne
August 23, 2013
Dear Bill & Family,
I am so thankful I had the opportunity to meet with Gail before we moved to Louisville. I had to tell her THANK YOU & show her that I had saved all of the beautiful photo scripture cards she sent to Terry & I during a very difficult season of our lives. I still have them & now will treasure them even more! Gail was a very special woman of God who touched many, many hearts with her gentle spirit of love & compassion. How could God pack SO MUCH in that little ladies body? She will be dearly missed by so many but what a delight to picture her in the arms of our Savior!!
Watson Whiteside
August 23, 2013
Dear Bill: Very sorry for your loss. Be strong & keep smiling.
August 23, 2013
So sorry for your loss God bless. Holly Mandeville
David and Sheri Donaldson
August 23, 2013
I've known Bill and Gail since the 1970's. Bill and I were active in the music program at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago. When Bill took a position in Michigan, I didn't find it surprising that he joined a choir there. What I did find surprising was that he told me that he had met someone. Gail who also sang in the choir here, announced that she needed some help painting her office. To Bill's surprise, he was the only one to show up to help. From that point, a relationship was born. It has been a blessing for me to observe the growth in Bill and Gail, and in their two sons, Peter and Drew.
Linda Wichman
August 23, 2013
Gail's Godly servant's heart touched our family, friends and our community. Our love and prayers are with Bill and his loved ones. In Christ, Gary and Linda Wichman
Bob Werner
August 23, 2013
Bill, I am sorry for your loss and thinking about you and your pain on this day. Praise God for what we know for sure!
DeeDee Eno-Busnelli
August 23, 2013
I had the privilege of getting to know Gail and she was such an insperation to me. always willing to take a moment to listen and pray.
DeeDee
Marilyn Dragosh
August 23, 2013
Dear Bill I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for God's peace, comfort and loving arms to envelop you and your family today and forever.
Ron Davis
August 23, 2013
Dear Chaplain Bill and Family.
Gail made everyone feel gifted. I knew her as a devoted servant of Jesus at TCI. So fruitful. So faithful. May God give you full comfort.
Mark Harris
August 23, 2013
Gail's life and faith were an inspiration to me and many others. I am honored to have known her and confident that I will see her again. My prayers are with my brother, Bill.
Jodine Deppisch
August 23, 2013
Gail will live on in the hearts of many for years to come, especially the inmates and staff at Taycheedah Correctional Institution where she served as a devoted Chaplain. In her quiet ways, Gail provided spiritual support to those of us who needed it most. On a personal note, Gail was there for me while Warden at TCI, especially during the passing of my own Mom. Gail's love for others could not be contained, and although she was quiet and unassuming, her strength shown through to lift up all who knew her. I will miss you Gail and will be forever grateful for the love and support you gave me. My deepest sympathy to your loving family and friends.
jan schaap
August 23, 2013
Remembering Gail as a true servant of our Lord, in her family and in the community. She conveyed beauty in her photos, her words and her life. Prayers are with Bill and the family.
Bonnie Sielaff
August 23, 2013
Years ago, I took evening courses through Concordia University, and Gail was one of my instructors. She was a wonderful teacher, but more importantly, Gail really cared about her students and wanted us all to succeed. Our paths never crossed again, but I have a photo frame that she gave to all the students in my class. The photo is of a serene forest path, with a Bible verse on the back ... "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will guide your path." The photo sat on my desk for many years as a reminder of God's guiding presence, even when life tends to get crazy. Gail left an impression with me, as I'm sure she did with many others. Cherish the memories.
Vicki Diaz
August 23, 2013
Gail was a very kind and wonderful person and always had kind words to say. She will be in my prayers.
Charles (Chuck) Schauf
August 22, 2013
Gail.....you will be sadly missed by all your family and so many, many friends. My sincere sympathy is extended to Bill, and all your family.
Joleen Ingersoll
August 22, 2013
I am so ever thankful to have Gail in my life. It was a honor to call her "friend". We had so many laughs and tears these past years. Gail was positive. You could feel the lords presence when she spoke with you. Gail will be greatly missed and I am sorry for her family's loss.
Lynn Malmberg
August 22, 2013
Gail always went out of her way to make me part of her family. I will miss her so much. Bill and Peter and Drew my heart and prayers are with you. Sorry I couldn't make the funeral but I did not hear in time. God bless.
Lynn Malmberg
Dustin Owens
August 22, 2013
Bill and Family,
Chaplain Barwis has left an impact at TCI that will forever be remembered by those whose live's she has touched. For staff, volunteers, and inmates alike she has made an impact that will only be measured in eternity. What a priviledge to be able to leave such a legacy! I pray God's comfort and peace will remain with you all in your time of grieving and loss. God bless
Charly & Wendy Wrzesinski
August 22, 2013
Bill & Family,
Very sorry to hear about Gail. Celebrate her life as wife & mother. It takes a special person to do God's work here on earth. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ron Wilson
August 22, 2013
My deepest condolences to the grieving family of Chaplin Barwis:
I have to admit that until a few months ago, I didn't know the Chaplain's first name. It was always Chaplain Barwis to us. She always complimented the Maintenance Dept. for all we do. Many times blessing us with some of her homebaked goodies. (They never lasted very long) She was always smiling, and she demonstrated to all that despite our character defects, whether we be inmates or staff, we are all God's children, and he loves us all.
She will be greatly missed.
Jenni Hera
August 22, 2013
My deepest sympathies go out to Bill and the family for the loss of their loved one. I had only known Gail through telephone conversations, as her RN Case Manager with her insurance company since the end of April. She was a special person and I could tell she took great pride in her independence and her profession with how she helped others. Gail's voice will be missed by me, as I enjoyed our conversations. The card she sent me with the beautiful pink flower on it will always be hung up in cubicle as a reminder of her. She definitely has a SPECIAL place in heaven where she can rest peacefully watching down over her loving family who were there for her.
Coral Schilling
August 22, 2013
I am saddened to lose such a loving friend. She was such a light & strength to all who came in contact with her at TCI whether staff, inmate or volunteer. It was my pleasure to work with her through the volunteer progarm. All will miss her. Gail, you are my hero. Enjoy the glory of God!
Michael Olson
August 22, 2013
Drew, your mother's kindness and wisdom impacted me just through stories and e-mails you shared. I am sorry for your loss, but thankful you were so blessed to have had a mother so full of faith and love and joy.
Linda Pickart
August 22, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Gail blessed everyone just by being in her presence. She will be missed.
Michelle and Alexandria Richter
August 22, 2013
We are so sorry to hear about Gail. She was a true gift to all who knew her. She was such a warm, loving, and giving person. We will never forget her talents of photography and baking and were so fortunate to experience both. May she find peace and joy in heaven.
-Michelle and Alexandria Richter
Ellen Wells, TCI IHRD
August 22, 2013
Dear Bill and Family,
While her mission at TCI had ended her mission with the lord continues. She was a special person and was always there to comfort others. Her heart and soul are one of gods greatest gifts to all who knew her. She will be missed but know she will be with many, in our hearts as we remember all she has done for us.
LuAnne DePons
August 22, 2013
Deepest Sympathies to you during this difficult time. I didn't know Gail, but reading about her and looking at her picture, I can see she was a real dynamo. I surely understand her devotion to her prison ministry. One more Angel in Heaven! I keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Steve Lueck
August 22, 2013
So sorry to hear about Gail. She and Bill were such great neighbors to our mother Katie on Hall Ave. Our deepest sympathy.
The Lueck Family
Emmanuel Okoye
August 22, 2013
Rest in the Lord, Chaplain Barwis. What a soldier in the Army of the Lord. You are worth your weight in gold as a Chaplain at TCI. You led many to the Lord Jesus and comforted many who were hurting. I thank the Lord for your life, family and colleagues who stood in support of your ministry. My condolence to The Barwis Family. Blessings!
August 22, 2013
Dear Chaplain Bill and Family: I was so sad to hear the news of your wifes passing....my condolances to you and your family. Mark Gerlach RGCI
Carla Hartman
August 22, 2013
Gail was the light of TCI, I will truely miss this wonderful woman and friend. My heart is breaking for her family. She will truely be missed, even though I know she will watch over all of us as the angel she was in life and now is in heaven.
August 22, 2013
Dear Bill and Family:
Gail was a treasure and a gift to me and everyone who had the opportunity to share her LIGHT. She will be so missed. Her gentle loving heart and soul will remain with me forever. My sincerest sympathy ....Joanne Barrett Lund
Patti Reese
August 22, 2013
Chaplain Barwis had a spirit that shined and it was a pleasure to work with her at TCI. My condolences to her family.
Bobbie and Lee Murray
August 22, 2013
Gail will be deeply missed by the legends of people whose lives she touched with her ever present smile, encouraging words, encircling hugs, including us as well as the grateful people to whom she modeled Christ's love which led many to Him.
Holy Family Parish
August 22, 2013
It has been a blessing and a privilege to work with Gail at TCI over these past years. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her care and compassion. Please know of the prayers and sympathy of the entire Holy Family Catholic Parish Community.
August 22, 2013
Celebrating "Chaplain Barwiss" and the love of God that she shared with the inmates at Taycheedah Correctional Institution. She was an inspiration to all who knew her and will be greatly missed. It was an honor to know her and walk together on our journey of faith.
Peace and Blessings..Joanne Sheridan - Holy Family, FDL
Lynda Daluz
August 22, 2013
There have been hundreds of women that you have helped throughout your time but I will most remember you from your time up at Taycheedah you will be missed by me and now that you have gone to heaven I hope and pray that I will see you again in heaven Lynda Daluz
Pat Kammeyer
August 21, 2013
Dear Bill, Pete and Heather, Drew and Erin,
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Gail will be missed by so many lives that she touched, including me. I have so many wonderful memories of the times we spent together.
Michael Depies
August 21, 2013
Bill, I'm so sorry to hear about Gail. It is a hard thing to see one's spouse suffer and die. I wish something could be said or done, but somethings in life can't be fixed. I will be thinking about you often and praying.
S. Duel
August 21, 2013
So sorry for your loss, she made a positive difference in many lives. She will be missed.
Jim Abig
August 21, 2013
Chaplain Barwis,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I will be praying for God's grace, mercy, strength, and comfort to be with you.
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