Gwen Anne Young

July 19, 1931 – June 29, 2026

Gwen Young, age 94, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026, at AngelsGrace Hospice in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.

Born on July 19, 1931, in Fostoria, Ohio, Gwen was the daughter of Howard B. and Shirley (Doke) Turner. She graduated from Fostoria High School in 1949 before attending and graduating from Ohio Wesleyan University, where she was an active member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority.

Following college, Gwen began her career as an elementary school teacher in the Cleveland area. In 1958, she married the love of her life, Walter Young. Together they built a beautiful life, first in Cleveland, then in Columbus, Indiana, before ultimately settling in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, where they raised their three children and became cherished members of the community.

Gwen had an extraordinary gift for making people feel welcome. Whether serving as a Welcome Wagon greeter, an Ambassador for the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce, or volunteering with organizations she loved, she was always building friendships and strengthening her community. She was an active member of AAUW, First Congregational Church, and Chenequa Country Club. She was also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Even in her later years while living at Lake Terrace Apartments, Gwen continued making new friends with her trademark warmth, optimism, and genuine interest in others.

Above all else, Gwen treasured her family.

She is lovingly survived by her three children, David T. (Lisa) Young, Carolyn Amy (Gene) Arenson, and Steven C. (Megan) Young, all of Oconomowoc. She was a proud grandmother to Melissa Young, Lyndsay (Steven Meives) Young, John (Katie) Young, Turner Arenson, Kathryn Arenson, Grant Young, Ryan Young, and George Young.

She is also survived by her brother-in-law, David F. Young (Ursula), and her niece Morgen Young.

Nothing brought Gwen greater joy than her great-grandchildren: Miles and Dashel Minarik, Walter Young, Harrison and Alden Meives. They filled her later years with laughter, pride, and countless treasured memories.

Whether you knew her as Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, or simply Gwen, she made everyone feel like an old friend. Her curiosity, gracious spirit, and ever-present smile left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Gwen will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at the Gardens of Stone Bank. A private burial service will be held.

A Celebration of Gwen's Life will be held on Sunday, July 19th, what would have been her 95th birthday.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial gifts in Gwen's honor. She was deeply proud of her family's long tradition of military service—from the Civil War through World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam—and had a special place in her heart for veterans and their families. Memorial donations may be made to the Fischer House Foundation of Wisconsin. As a lifelong reader, devoted teacher, and enthusiastic supporter of education, Gwen would also be honored by gifts to the Oconomowoc Public Library to help inspire future generations of readers.

Gwen's family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Shorehaven and the extraordinary staff at AngelsGrace Hospice, whose kindness, dignity, and loving care brought comfort to Gwen and her family during her final days.