Gwendolyn Dee Kilness was born September 7, 1931, in Huron, SD, to Gena (Ordal) and Martin Wilkins. She attended Clark grade school and high school all 12 years to graduate and went on to Augustana College for nursing. On June 3, 1952, Gwen married Harold Kilness and they returned to the ranch to live in the Marcus area.

Gwen was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church where she was very active in the Bethel Ladies Aide and where she taught Sunday school for 50+ years. She was also a member of the Marcus Community Club. She enjoyed helping those that needed help and her nursing skills were used many times giving allergy shots to some of the neighbors. She enjoyed cooking her cinnamon rolls and twists that were enjoyed by all!! As hobbies she loved sewing and gardening.

Mom helped Dad with chores, milking the cows, farming, and working in the hay fields. Later on she enjoyed playing with the grandkids and going to grade school and high school activities.

Gwen Kilness, age 90, died Thursday October 28, 2021, at the Philip Hospital in Philip, S.D.

Survivors include son, Robin (Linda) Kilness and daughter DeeAnne Kilness, both of Howes, SD; grandchildren: Philip Kilness, Diane (Mac) Cadwell, Jene (Dalton) Harrison, Robin Linn Kilness (Lane Eaton), and Billie Kilness; great-granddaughters: Lorrain and Lainey Harrison.

Gwen was preceded in death by husband, Harold Kilness; her parents, Martin and Gena Wilkins; brother, Russ Wilkins; and her in-laws, Philip and Josephine Kilness.

A memorial has been established to Bethel Lutheran Church and the Philip Nursing Home.

Visitation will be Wednesday, November 3, 2021, from 4-6 p.m., at Kinkade Funeral Chapel, Sturgis, SD. Funerals Services will be at Bethel Lutheran Church, Faith, SD, Thursday, November 4, 2021, 10 :30 a.m.  Burial will take place at Faith Cemetery.

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