Eunice M. Gilgen, 92
Eunice M. Gilgen, 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at Southridge Specialty Care and Hospice, Marshalltown, IA. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, August 23, 2019, at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home, Marshalltown, IA. Funeral Services will be at Hope United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m., August 24, 2019, Marshalltown, IA. A luncheon will follow. Christian Burial Service will be at Eden Cemetery, Rhodes, IA. The Rev. Gregory Ellcey will serve as officiant. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Eunice and her family.
Eunice was born at the family farm, the daughter of Harold and Anna Grace (Strickler) White near Rhodes, IA and was raised on the family Purple Bloom Farm. She graduated from Rhodes High School, Class of 1944. Eunice was married to Raymond D. Gilgen on March 13, 1947. Together they raised four children and farmed at Monroe and Rhodes, IA.
Eunice was an Iowa farm wife for 46 years. She was also employed by the Avon Company for 25 years, Marshall County Home Health as a Home Health Provider and by MMSC “Next Best Thing” child care program.
Eunice was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church, taught Sunday School and served as President of UMW. She also organized the local “Trick or Treat for UNICEF Program” and other charitable events for several years while living in Melbourne, IA. Eunice was a loyal member of The Order of Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Matron and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She was a 4-H Leader in both Jasper and Marshall Counties, serving also as Leader for Boy Scouts of America. Eunice and Ray also provided housing for five different French Exchange and Agricultural students through the Iowa France Exchange.
Eunice also enjoyed songbirds and her wildflower gardens and was a member of the Marshalltown Garden Club. Family History and Geneology, traveling and many family meals were among her favorites. She loved planning and hosting special occasion family parties and events. Her greatest joys were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Eunice is survived by her children: Vickie (Allan) Nimmer, Cheryl (Wendell) Dunham, Deborah (Roger) Fifer and Gregory. Also a nephew, two nieces, 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Eunice was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; sisters Averna (Frank) Jayne, Jo Anna (Wayne) Westlake and her parents Harold and Grace.
Please share condolences/memories for Eunice’s family @ www.mitchellfh.com.