Gwendolyn Bernice Wilfawn, 85, of Albia, Iowa passed away on September 12, 2026 at her home. She was born on June 3, 1941, in Bloomfield, Iowa to Bernie and Helen Willier. She married Leon Wilfawn on June 17, 1962, in Davis County, Iowa. Leon passed away on July 14, 2010.
As a nurse, Gwen spent her life caring for others. She worked at the Davenport, Iowa hospital for ten years before moving to Avery, Iowa where she worked at Oakwood Specialty Care for several years then worked at the Monroe Care Center for 30 years as a restorative assistant, finally retiring in 2019. A nursing career that spanned 50 years, Gwen truly loved being a nurse. Gwen enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, she was always available to help or offer advice to anyone. She was known to keep an exceptionally clean house and enjoyed doing so. Gwen was a member of the Open Bible Church in Albia for many years until it closed. She has since attended Lighthouse Church of the Nazarene in Moravia, Iowa. Gwen has lived in Albia since 1974, and was loved by many in the community.
She is survived by three sons, Gary (Alison) Wilfawn, Jerry Wilfawn both of Albia, Jim (Sheila) Wilfawn of Monroe, Iowa; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; two brothers, Robert (Diana) Willier of Pulaski, Iowa, John (Carol) Willier of Summerdale, Alabama; and a sister, Mary Beth (Gene) Ware of Gilmore, Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; an infant great-granddaughter; and an infant brother.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield with Beverly Huffman officiating. Burial will be at the IOOF Cemetery in Bloomfield. Visitation with the family present to greet friends will be on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Lighthouse Church of the Nazarene.
