Gwen R. Fredeen, 90 of Spicer, died on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at her son's home near New London while on hospice care. A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 25, 2023 at the Evangelical Covenant Church in New London. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday at the Johnson Funeral Home in New London and for one hour prior to the service at church. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery in New London.

Gwendolyn Ruth Fredeen was born March 6, 1932, to Herman and Ruth (Thompson) Hookom in a house on the North shore of Green Lake the 7th of 12 children. She went to grade school in Willmar, Spicer Country School and New London High School, graduating in 1950. Growing up on the farm north of Green Lake, she farmed with horses, milked cows by hand and helped with raising Turkeys.

Gwen moved to California with a couple girlfriends to work in a plant. They moved back home within a year. She dated Laurel Fredeen and they were married on August 24, 1952. Laurel and Gwen had five children. After a short time living by Laurel's parents in a trailer house, they bought the farm Gwen grew up on, moved the trailer house to the farm and lived there the rest of their marriage.

Gwen worked at Green Lake Trailer Works, Laurel's family business as a welder for over 40 years. She started as a part time matron at Kandiyohi County Jail and then became a full-time correctional officer (jailer) for over 20 years, retiring at age 69.

Gwen was nominated and chosen for the Eagles Humanitarian Award. Her qualifications for being nominated were based on her abundance of volunteering in the Community. Some of them being: Junior Girl Scout Leader, volunteering at the registration booth for the annual snowmobile races, taught Sunday School for 10 years, went with the New London-Spicer 5th grade students to Camp Isabella and Wolf Ridge (including 2 of her children and her 2 grandkids) for over 23 years, 15 years as the Spicer Bloodmobile chairman, member and past President of the Spicer American Legion Auxiliary, volunteered as an attendant on the New London Ambulance Service, teaching First Aid and CPR, assisted with missionary projects with the church, volunteer tow driver for the New London to the New Brighton Antique Car Run and volunteered for the New London Bowling Lanes Ladies Bowling Association, being President and Treasure.

Gwen enjoyed snowmobiling, driving four-wheelers, horseback riding, playing softball, working puzzles and playing solitaire. She enjoyed traveling with trips to London, Alaska and Hawaii to name a few. Camping was a big part of the summers with Gwen taking the kids and driving to places like Yellowstone as well as various parks around Minnesota.

She is survived by her children, Deb Hanson, Brad (Vel) Fredeen, Diane (Jim) Johnson, Shannon (Mark) Grothem and Shawn Fredeen; grandchildren, Joshua (Erica) Fredeen and Heather (friend Dan) Fredeen; and great-grandchildren, Tucker Fredeen, Cole Fredeen, Paxton Fredeen and Easton Fredeen.

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Laurel and all 11 of her siblings.