Obituary of Gwendolyn Dressel

A Funeral Service for Gwendolyn Dressel, age 80, of Spirit Lake will be held on Monday, July 10, 2023 at 1:30pm at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Interment will be at the Round Lake Cemetery in Round Lake, MN. Visitation will take place prior to the service from 11:30am-1:30pm at the funeral home in Spirit Lake. 

Gwendolyn Faye Dressel, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, passed away on July 2, 2023, at the age of 80. Gwen was born on June 11, 1943, in New Ulm, Minnesota, to Marvin and Gladys Bakken.

Gwen's early years were spent in Hector, Minnesota, where she graduated from high school. Eager to expand her knowledge and deepen her faith, she attended the Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She later earned her LPN degree at Great Lakes Community College, dedicating herself to caring for others.

On March 17, 1962, Gwen married the love of her life, Donald James Dressel, in Cosmos, Minnesota. Together, they embarked on a journey that took them to various places before settling in Spirit Lake in 1993. Throughout her life, Gwen pursued various careers, reflecting her multifaceted nature. She served as a pastor, LPN, Avon, Merchandiser, and Home Interiors consultant, sharing her passion and love for Jesus with everyone she encountered.

Faith played a central role in Gwen's life, and her devotion to Jesus was evident in every aspect of her being. She found solace and strength within her church family at the Christian Family Worship Center. Gwen was also involved in Provident Ministries, the Apostolic Rainbow Center, and the Presidents Club with Avon. She radiated love, compassion, and kindness, and her ministry touched the lives of countless individuals.

Gwen's family was her pride and joy. She cherished spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating beautiful memories that will be treasured forever. Gwen had an infectious spirit and a genuine love for people, and this was evident in her interactions as she shared her ministry, Avon products, and her merchandising expertise at Wal-Mart.

Gwen had a special affinity for birds, finding beauty and inspiration in their presence, from the grandest to the tiniest. Her appreciation for nature reflected her gentle and nurturing soul.

Gwen will be deeply missed by her children: DeNaldo (Pam) Dressel of Lakefield, Minnesota; Donahue Dressel of Spirit Lake, Iowa; Donovan (Imelda) Dressel of San Diego, California; Durand (Michelle) Dressel of Chatsworth, Illinois; Doreen (Chris) Berger of Brewster, Minnesota; Dee (Doug) Bartosh of Heron Lake, Minnesota; Dorinda (Nyron Sr.) Moore of George, Iowa; and D'Lisha (Brian) Callanan of Comfrey, Minnesota. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, one sister, and four brothers.

Gwen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald Dressel; parents, grandparents, two brothers, and son-in-law, Martin Langseth.