Gwendolyn Below

Gwendolyn Lee (Pat) Below, 90, passed away peacefully at her home in Ogema on Saturday, October 22, 2022. Pat was born to Hubert (Bert) and Myrtle (Lombot) Mensing on February 22, 1932, in Milwaukee, WI.

She married Raymond (Sonny) Below February 4, 1950. Together they raised 8 of the luckiest kids in the world: Daniel (Arlene), Diane (Ronald) Mueller, Dawn (Del) Lavey, Doreen (Dody) (Gene) Schmitt, Dean (Jan), Donna (Tom) Cresci, Douglas (Julie), Dale (Sue Bradfish Schmelzer). Pat was a hard-working lady who always took time to tend to a child in need, take a phone call or sit down and pour a cup of coffee and make a meal for visitors. She was fun-loving and open-minded (probably why us 8 kids are still here today). Pat was raised in the city of Milwaukee but once she and Ray were married it wasn’t long and they were country folk living and working on farms in Spencer, Brown Deer and Town of Erin finally settling in Ogema, WI. They carved out a sought-after life for themselves and their children. She was able to stay in her home and live independently until her death with the help and moral support of her dear friends, Mary Meives and Kathy Kosterman. Pat loved keeping up with everyone and received phone calls daily from family and friends.

Pat is survived by 8 children,15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Beverly Orlowski, great granddaughters, Madison and Emma Rose, other relatives, and friends.

Per Pat’s wishes, no services are to be held. A Celebration of Life will be held in Spring/Summer 2023. Heindl-Nimsgern Funeral Home is serving the family.