Gwendolyn Deann Eklund

Gwendolyn DeAnn (Betcher) Eklund, 76, of of Rochester passed away unexpectedly after a short illness on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at Mayo Clinic Hospital St. Marys Campus in Rochester. Gwen was born March 3, 1940 in Rochester, MN. to Alfred and Alta (Irish) Betcher. She graduated from Rochester High School in 1958 and shortly after married Wallace Eklund; they later divorced. Then she met Jerry Sandte whom she shared a special relationship with for many years.She was employed at Michaels Restaurant as a waitress for 25 years. Gwen was a fun loving person who enjoyed life to the fullest. She was always thinking of others and loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed socializing and spending time with her many friends at the American legion post 92. Gwen is survived by her son Brad (Tracy) Eklund of Winona, MN.; two daughters, Janel (Steve) Hengel of Rochester, MN. and Cristy (Michael) Mueske of Rochester, MN.; seven grandchildren: Jessica, Kayla, Ashley, Holly, Brandon, Spencer and Lakin, six adorable great-grandchildren and two sisters, Gloria Leferink of Rochester, MN. and Carole Finseth of Rochester, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, and one sister. A celebration of life will be held on June 4, 2016 from 1:00 to 4:00pm at the American Legion Post 92. All friends and family are welcome to come. Gwen donated her body to Mayo Clinic Medical Research.