Gayle Ahrens

Gayle Marie Ahrens, age 77, of Wheaton, Minnesota passed away Sunday, April 24, 2016 at her residence in Wheaton with her daughter and granddaughter by her side.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton with Rev. Michael Breach officiating. Visitation will be held from noon until service time at the church on Saturday. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

Gayle Marie Medenwaldt was born June 28, 1938 in Hankinson, North Dakota to Alfred and Grace (Ziegelman) Medenwaldt. She graduated from Hankinson High School and was united in marriage to Randolph Ahrens Jr. on February 23, 1957 in Hankinson. The couple lived on a farm outside Hankinson until moving to Wheaton, Minnesota. Gayle worked at the Traverse Care Center as a CNA for many years. Randolph passed away December 25, 1991.

Gayle's daughter Tami Lackey passed away on June 25, 2011. Gayle became the caregiver to Tami's daughter Ashley. Gayle's family, especially grandchildren were the most important thing to her. She loved camping, and anything to do with family. Gayle enjoyed crocheting, gardening, feeding the birds and playing cards with Ashley.

Gayle is survived by her daughter Pam (Galen) Cordell of Watertown, South Dakota; granddaughters: Erin Lackey of Madison, Wisconsin; Ashley Lackey of Wheaton; sister Gloria Smith of Milo, Missouri; brother Alfred (Vicki) Medenwaldt Jr. of Wahpeton, North Dakota; brother-in-law Charles Ahrens of Hankinson, North Dakota; sister-in-law Doris Medenwaldt of Woonsocket, Rhode Island; and several nieces and nephews.

Gayle was preceded in death by her daughter Tami Lackey, granddaughter Megan, husband Randolph, parents, brother Glen, brother-in-law Joe Smith, and sister-in-law Joann Ahrens.