General Information
Full Name: Gwendolyn Marie McColl
Date of Birth: August 16, 1933
Date of Death: January 1, 2014
Gwen’s life story
Gwen M. McColl
A resident of Savage and age of 80, Gwendolyn Marie passed away the morning of January 1, 2014, at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, MN. Family will greet guests on Tuesday, January 7 from 4-7 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake and one hour prior to the service. The Celebration of Life Service will be on Wednesday, January 8 at 11 am, at the funeral home. Life Tribute Specialist Jean Breeggemann will lead the service. Gwen will be laid to rest at Glendale Cemetery in Savage, MN.
On Wednesday, August 16, 1933 in Black Brook, WI, Gwen was born to parents, Maurice and Hildred (Cain) Knutson. She was the oldest of four children. Due to her father’s job, they moved around a lot, with some years in Amery, WI, Estherville, IA and finally to Savage, MN. Gwen graduated from Shakopee High School in 1951.
Gwen met the love of her life, a young man named, Gilbert McColl. On June 27, 1952, they exchanged wedding vows. They were blessed with three children, Al, Ava and Joel. A dedicated wife and mother, her family was most important, especially providing food for them. Gwen spent countless hours tending to the three vegetable gardens and then canning the fruits of her labor. She also was an excellent cook. Gwen’s favorite time was spent sitting at the table enjoying the big meal she just prepared. This meal was followed by card games and then more food.
Fishing was one of her favorite past times. Owning one of the first fish houses on wheels in the area, the family spent many hours fishing and enjoying the crock pot meals Gwen prepared. Summers also contained many adventures casting lines in lakes up north with family and great friends. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading murder mystery books and in recent years her Ipad. Gwen was also a member of the Savage and Prior Lake V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary.
Living life to the fullest, Gwen played a lot and played hard. Life was full of laughter, smiles of happiness and humor was everything. She truly relished spoiling her grandchildren and spending time with them. Gwen enjoyed her Milwaukee Best, cigarettes, chocolate and welcoming anyone to her kitchen table.
Remembered always for her giving and caring personality, who would do anything for anyone, Gwen will be deeply missed by children, Al (Kathy) McColl of Savage, Ava (Ken) Higginbotham of Eden Prairie, Joel (Patti) McColl of Savage; grandchildren, Holly McColl, Steve (Libby) McColl, Ben (Cariann) Higgenbotham, Rob (Leah) Higgenbotham, Ryan (Terese) Higgbotham, Kelly (Adam) Fischer, James McColl; 8 great-grandchildren; other loving relatives and devoted friends.
Gwen is preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert; parents, Maurice and Hildred; siblings, Maurice Knutson, Geri (Lyle) Boeser and Candy Knutson.
Pall bearers for Gwen will be her sons, Al and Joel; son-in-law, Ken; grandchildren, Holly, Steve, Ben, Rob, Ryan, Kelly and James.
The McColl family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Prior Lake Chapel. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
Visitation
When: Tuesday, January 7, 2014, 4-7 pm
Location: Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home
Address: 4565 Pleasant Street SE
Prior Lake, Minnesota
Service Information
When: Wednesday, January 8, 2014, 11:00 am
Location: Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home
Address: 4565 Pleasant Street SE
Prior Lake, Minnesota
Interment
Glendale Cemetery
Savage, MN
