Gwen Brooten, 85, died Friday, May 18, 2007 at Northwest Medical Center, Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be held on 2:00 PM, Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. John Voelker officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM on Monday, May 21, 2007 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Tuesday.

Mary Gwendolyn Guenin was born on March 4, 1922 in Twatna, Alberta, Canada to Joseph and Victoria (Dunn) Guenin. She was baptized in Canada and confirmed at St. Josephs Church in Baudette, MN. She graduated from Baudette High School. She worked in the shipyards in Oregon during WW II.

Gwen was united in marriage to Robert Brooten on September 27, 1952 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN. She worked at Montgomery Wards in the Womens ready to wear section in Thief River Falls. She worked at the S & L Department Store as the cosmetic manager. She and Bob owned the Riverside Grocery Store in Thief River Falls, MN for about 10 years.

Gwen loved knitting and taught knitting at the area vocational school. She also has a love for sewing, quilting, and painting. She was a member of the American Legion Auxilary and served as president, and a member of the business and professional women and served as their president.

Gwen is survived by her husband Bob, Thief River Falls, MN; 1 daughter Vickie (Chuck) Lehr, Charlotte, NC; 2 grandchildren: Kristen (Walt) Zimmer, Sugar Grove, IL; Keith Lehr, Charlotte, NC; and 3 great grandchildren: Nicholas, Haley, and Hayden Zimmer.

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Francis and Earl Guenin.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes contributions to your favorite charity.

ORGANIST: Ida Nordvall
SOLOIST: Leroy Aasland
SELECTIONS: Here I Am Lord, Just As I Am
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Amazing Grace, Just A Closer Walk With Thee
CASKETBEARERS: Chuck Lehr, Keith Lehr, Walt Zimmer, Nick Zimmer, and Hayden Zimmer