Gwendolyn Fitzpatrick

Gwendolyn Fitzpatrick, 72, died Monday, December 21, 2015 in Ames, Iowa.

A service of remembrance was held at 10:00 a.m.,Thursday, Dec. 24, at Abundance Life Ministries in Jefferson. Words of comfort were provided by Rev. David Schroeder. Casket bearers were Bob Heath, Emmanuel Sang, Bill Sutton, Dan Wise, Mike Benson and Jeff Schroeder. Recorded music, “Glorious Unfolding” by Steven Curtis Chapman and “I Will Rise” by Chris Tomlin, was played.

Gwendolyn Kay Sims Fitzpatrick, daughter of Darwin Sims and Marguerite Beebe Sims, was born March 5, 1943 in Farlin, Iowa. Gwen grew up in Churdan, Iowa and graduated from Churdan High School in 1961. After high school she went to beauty school and became a beautician. On November 20, 1965 in Churdan, Iowa, Gwen married the love of her life, Patrick Fitzpatrick. They had just recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. They were the proud parents of four children: Mark, James, Ellen, and David. They made their home on a farm near Churdan, Iowa. Gwen loved to spend time with her seven grandchildren and recently met her first great-grandson. She loved to watch sports, whether it was her children or grandchildren playing. She especially loved watching the Iowa State Cyclones, and was one of their biggest fans. Gwen also loved her church and worshiping every Sunday.

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband Patrick Fitzpatrick of Churdan, IA; her children: Mark Fitzpatrick of Olathe, KS, James (Anita) Fitzpatrick of Churdan, IA, Ellen (John) Neldeberg of Altoona, IA and David (Cari) Fitzpatrick of Altoona, IA; seven grandchildren: Mitchell (Tori) Fitzpatrick, Andie Fitzpatrick, Alyssa Fitzpatrick, Colton Fitzpatrick, Blake Neldeberg, Eric Fitzpatrick and Abbie Fitzpatrick; one great-grandchild Landon Fitzpatrick; sisters: Dorena (Roger) Wilson of Jefferson, IA and Jodi (Mark) Chandler of Grimes, IA; other relatives; and friends.

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, www.sliningerschroeder.com.