Gwendolyn "Gwen" Waldron
Gwendolyn Mary Waldron, 64, of Scottsdale, AZ passed away November 13, 2024 at Hospice of the Valley Lund Home after having complications from a stroke. The American Legion is hosting a Celebration of Her Life Sunday, December 8, beginning at 2 p.m., at American Legion Post 2 in Tempe, AZ, located at 2125 South Industrial Park Avenue. Gwen’s family will also have a Celebration of Life at a later date this summer in Waukon.
Gwen was born July 19, 1960, in Waukon, the daughter of Bill and Marge Waldron. She was baptized and confirmed in the St. Patrick’s Church in Waukon. She attended St. Patrick’s School through sixth grade and graduated from Waukon High School in 1978.
Gwen attained an AA degree while attending college in Ankeny. She also lived and worked in Sac City and Cedar Rapids before returning to Waukon for a few years to operate the Waukon Bakery. From Waukon, Gwen moved to Kansas City and then later to Arizona, where she was a restaurant manager, cook, caterer and bartender for many years.
Gwen was known for her loyalty and dedication to Veterans and current service members. She proudly and majestically served as VFW Auxiliary 3632 President for 13 years. It was here that Gwen originated the project “Christmas Boxes for the Troops,” where supplies and goodies were packed and boxes sent to more than 150 active military overseas. She had continued this project for the last 10 years. She was one of their most precious members and was referred to as “Chef Stolie”.
Gwen is survived by her sisters: Jan Votroubek (Ed) of Mesa, AZ, Kathy Fossum (Jim) of Monona, Sue Smith of Liberty, UT, Wendy Waldron (Larry Stott) of Waukon, Peggy Thomas (Tim) of Harpers Ferry, and Jane Sivesind (Dan) of Waukon; her brothers, Den Waldron (Becky Picard) of Cedar Rapids and Greg Waldron (Moira) of Rochester, MN; and several nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Mandy Samford (Patrick) of Gilbert, AZ.
Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, William and Marjorie (Leet) Waldron; one brother, Rick Waldron: two sisters-in-law, Jean (Dacey) Waldron and Anita (Wilson) Waldron; and two brothers-in-law, Frank Selder and Monte Smith.
Gwen was noted for her wittiness and dry humor and was an amazing storyteller. Her many nieces and nephews had humorous Gwen stories from their personal experiences to share that had never been shared to all. She was very loved by her family, friends and customers and will be deeply missed.
