Gwendolyn M. Nihles

 Gwendolyn M. Nihles, age 77, of  Lancaster, died on  Friday, March 14, 2008, at  Mercy Medical Center in  Dubuque, IA. She was born on  October 21, 1930, in Garnavello,  IA, the daughter of Joseph and Monica (Winch) Berns. Gwen graduated from St. Clement Catholic High School in  Bankston, IA, as Valedictorian. On June 21, 1955, she was united in marriage to Vernon H. Nihles at St. Clement Catholic Church in  Bankston, IA. Together they farmed for many years in  North Lancaster Township, moving to Lancaster in 1981. She was employed at the former D&D Store, Lancaster. Gwen was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church, Lancaster. She enjoyed reading, playing cards, and watching Wheel of Fortune.

Survivors include her five children: David (Julie) Nihles, Lancaster; Diane (Ken) Taylor, Spring Green; Cathy (Syver) Wilson, Eau Claire; Mary (Greg) Fischer, Lancaster; and Gary (Lisa Beck) Nihles, Lancaster; nine grandchildren: Bryan, Melissa, Loretta, Rachel Wilson, Michelle, Ryan, Andrea, Jacob Fischer, and Jason Nihles; her brother, Dick (Jane) Berns, Dubuque, IA; and sisters: Sr. Mary Andrea Berns, Rockford, IL; Rita Martin, Cedar Rapids, IA; and Bernelda Berns, Dubuque, IA.

In addition to her parents, Gwen was preceded in death by her husband,  Vernon and a son, Steven.

Funeral services were held on  Monday, March 17, 2008, at  10:30 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in  Lancaster with Reverend William Seipp officiating. Burial was in St. Clement Cemetery, rural Lancaster. Friends called on  Sunday, March 16, 2008, from  2:00 p.m. until  6:00 p.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home in  Lancaster and from  9:30 a.m. until time of services on  Monday, March 17, 2008, at the funeral home.