Gwendolyn Lucille Crannell was born Oct. 6, 1934, on the family farm two miles west of Tekamah, to John and Molly (Crom) Sklenar. She passed away Sept. 12, 2022, at Oakland Heights in Oakland, at the age of 87.
Gwen attended 8 years of school at District 47 west of Tekamah and graduated from Tekamah High School in 1951. After dating for a few months, she was engaged to Thomas Crannell, but her father would not give his consent for marriage until she turned 18. Soon after her birthday, on November 9, 1952, Tom and Gwen were married in the United Methodist Church Parsonage in Tekamah. Two children were born to this union: Steven Earl Crannell and Susan Diane (Crannell) Penke.
Gwen lived her entire life in Tekamah. Through the years she held a variety of jobs. Gwen was a stay-at-home mom for many years. In 1961, she and Tom fixed up their garage so she could “dress” chickens. Their poultry and wildlife processing business enabled Gwen to continue to stay at home with her children. The business also enabled them to make many friends locally and from throughout the United States. In 1970, she opened a ceramic shop in Tekamah. She worked in Blair, Nebraska as a station agent for Burlington Northern Railroad. Later she also worked at Save More Market for A.J. Bruce and Bruce Bradbury. She cleaned homes and businesses in the Tekamah area as well. Later Gwen returned to work parttime at Save More, renewing old friendships and finding new ones.
Gwen loved traveling. She was able to visit many places and enjoyed several cruises with her children throughout the Panama Canal and Alaska.
Gwen was a devoted grandmother to her two grandchildren: Kelly and Jason. She loved to craft, sew and create new things. She would always have a cup of coffee ready for any friend who stopped by.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three siblings; husband, Tom; daughter-in-law, Billie Crannell; great granddaughter, Allison Penke.
Gwen is survived by her son, Steven Crannell of Notasulga, Ala.; daughter, Susan (Stan) Penke of Craig; grandchildren, Kelly (Robert) Abrahams of Hooper, Jason (Kylie) Penke of Craig; great grandchildren, Ashley, Alex and Austin Abrahams and Tate, Tye and Travis Penke.
Memorial Service, Wednesday, September 21, 2022, 10:30 a.m. at United Methodist Church in Tekamah.
Memorial Visitation, one hour prior to service at the church.
Burial at Tekamah Cemetery
Memorials directed to the United Methodist Church – Tekamah, Tekamah Fire and Rescue
Arrangements by Pelan Funeral Services Oakland www.pelanfuneralservices.com
