Gwendolyn Turnquist, 96, of Willmar, died Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, at St. Cloud Hospital. Her funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 6, at First Covenant Church in Willmar. Visitation will be one hour prior to her service. Burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in rural Murdock. Memorials are preferred to the Bethesda Foundation. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home.

Gwendolyn Frances Turnquist was born to David and Julia (Larson) Turnquist was born on September 14, 1927. She was baptized and later confirmed at Frank Lake Lutheran Church. Gwen attended District 40 West Elementary School and graduated from Murdock High School in 1945. She continued her education at St. Cloud State University with a degree in Elementary Education as well as a Master's Degree in 1968. Gwen started teaching first grade in Glenwood and eventually taught in Willmar and Roseville, retiring in 1987, after a 40-year career as a teacher.

Following Gwen's retirement there was an opportunity to supervise young children in daycare at Roseville, where she continued to help for 10 years. Gwen spent time with Bible Study Fellowship, Christian Women Clubs and teaching Sunday school. She was a member of First Covenant Church in Willmar. Gwen enjoyed traveling to Europe and Scandinavia in 1963, 1984, and 1994. She also enjoyed going to the North Shore with her good friend Virginia Wicklund. Gwen spent much time in Florida with her aunt Evelyn.

After returning to Willmar, Gwen loved her time at Bethesda with the residents. She appreciated classical music, crossword puzzles, reading Christian Literature and current newspaper articles and calling her family on their birthdays.

Gwen is survived by her nieces and nephews: Darrel Hart, Tim Hart, Danny Hart, Eric (Kim) Turnquist of Murdock, and Julie (Phil) Eichstadt of Aberdeen, SD; great-nieces and nephews: Luke and Lucee Hart, Courtney (Jamie) Flaten and their children: Piper and Austin, Becca (Paul) Golden and Nick (Kate) Turnquist and their son, Jonah.

She was preceded in death by her parents and by her siblings: Roger (Mary) Turnquist, Laura (Jim) Hart and Milton Turnquist.