Gretchen J. (Carle) Gedwillo, 91, Lincoln, died Tuesday (11/20/12). Born in Wakefield, Neb. on June 19, 1921 to Harry and Beulah (Hartline) Carle. Raised in Bancroft, Neb. Moved to Sioux City, Iowa in 1933. Graduated from Sioux City Central High School. Married John P. Gedwillo in Sioux City in 1940. Moved to Lincoln in 1948 when her husband was appointed CEO of Lincoln Goodwill Industries. She was a homemaker and later worked in retail for 36 years. In 1972 she opened a lingerie shop in a partnership. It was known as Lorjeans. After 5 years when her partnership retired she carried on the business until 1994. Her principle focus on retail was fitting mastectomy women.
Gretchen was a member of the Methodist Church most of her life. She later attended Old Cheney Alliance Church. She had a deep devotion to her family and loved the Lord. She was given a life membership to Goodwill Industries Volunteer Services in 1998. Gretchen was a Nebraska author. She was a charter member of Pens and Friends since 1980.
Preceded in death by her husband John, son David, sisters Priscilla Hahn, Carolee Carle, Mary Lou Anderson and Viriginia White, daughter-in-law Deborah Gedwillo. She is survived by her daughter: Carolyn (Dennis) Donner, son: Thomas Gedwillo, all of Lincoln; daughter-in-law: Mary Bumann Gedwillo, Bryan, Texas; grandchildren: Chad (Linda) Gedwillo, Round Rock, Texas, Angela (Marc) Odgaard, Crete, Neb., Lisa Donner, Timothy (Sarah) Donner, Michael Donner, all of Lincoln; great grandchildren: Madonna Gedwillo, Cole Gedwillo, Drew and Alex Odgaard, John Donner, Benjamin Donner; great great granddaughters: Madison and Katelyn; brother: Harry (Gwen) Carle, Santee, Calif.; sister-in-law: Joan Gedwillo, Sioux City, Iowa; special friends: John and Jane Hunter, Boise, Idaho; numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Service: 10 a.m. Tuesday (11/27/12), Old Cheney Alliance Church, 5201 Old Cheney Rd. with Pastor Jeff Peterson officiating.
Memorials to the church or People’s City Mission.
Visitation: 2-8 p.m. Monday with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m. at Roper and Sons, 4300 ‘O’ Street and one hour prior to service time at the church