Gwen M. Grimm

When reflecting on the life of Gwen Grimm, words such as compassionate, nurturing, and caring come to mind, however, the word that is most commonly woven throughout her tapestry in time is selfless. She was a devoted wife and mother with a special place in her heart for all children and a way of making the most ordinary things extraordinary. Blessed to spend the majority of her life with her true love, Gwen experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer. She was well loved within the communities she called home, and she used her passions and talents to enrich the lives of all who were within her reach. Life will never be the same without Gwen here, but the memories she leaves behind will be lasting treasures in the hearts and lives of all who were blessed to know and love her.

The 1960s brought us some of the most vibrant days we have witnessed as a nation. America elected the young John F. Kennedy as our 35th President of the United States only to mourn his death just a short time later. Martin Luther King brought civil rights to the forefront, and as the decade drew to a close we put the first man on the moon. Nestled within this exciting time was the year 1962 that was an exciting time in the lives of a young couple from Fort Wayne, Indiana, as they were pleased to announce the birth of a healthy baby girl on January 23rd. Gwen Marie was one of five children born to her parents, Susan (Schlagenhauf) and Harold Fields, and she was raised in the family home alongside her sisters, Jane, Jan, and Sara, and her brother, Randy. As a child she was given the nickname Gwennie Pig, which was the basis for her extensive collection of ceramic pigs that numbered in the hundreds.

In many ways Gwen was a young girl of her generation. She enjoyed spending time with her family, playing games, and playing with and caring for her dolls. Gwen also loved babies. In addition to making her sisters mud pies she made countless cakes in her Easy Bake Oven. In addition to a regular cake made by her mom, Gwens family looked forward to Gwens special cake on their birthdays. Even the family dog got a cake! One of Gwens favorite Christmas presents as a small child was a Mary Poppins costume. Little did her family know then that she would become a Mary Poppins mom, aunt and teacher as Gwen made magical moments for all the kids whose lives she touched. As a child, she combined both her crafty nature and her entrepreneurial skills in the form of her hanger shop. She spent hours covering wire hangers with decorative yarns, which she then sold to her family and friends. This craftiness followed Gwen into her adult years as her favorite hobby was card stamping. She was a gifted artist who loved to teach her craft to others. In addition, Gwen made baskets and enjoyed drawing. As a young girl she played tennis and also played the clarinet in the school marching band as a student at South Side High School.

Not to be forgotten during Gwens years in high school was her introduction to the man with whom she would write a love story that would span more than 30 years. His name was Steven Grimm, and they met while in the same algebra class. It was about one year later that they started dating. Gwen and Steve studied at IPFW and finished both of their degrees at Purdue University where their romance blossomed. Over the years, Gwen and Steve have made nostalgic visits to their special Purdue spots.

Gwen graduated with her Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education in 1984. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, the high school sweethearts were married on September 14, 1985, in Fort Wayne. Gwen was a childrens librarian and an assistant manager at the Georgetown Library in Ft. Wayne from 1984 through 1989. While there she found her calling as a gifted storyteller. Children were always intrigued by the way she shared her stories, and Gwen loved making children feel treasured and uniquely special. She also enjoyed teaching children. Gwen left the workforce when she and Steve welcomed their first of two sons into their hearts and home. She cherished her role as a mother, and both Spencer and Grant were the light of her life.

Gwen savored spending time with her family. One of their favorite activities was camping at Colwell Lake in Michigans Upper Peninsula. Gwen loved nothing more than sitting around the campfire and singing. Birthdays were a special time in her home, and she went all out for both Spencer and Grant. Gwen loved making specialty meals according to their specifications, and their parties always had a theme. She had even the smallest details all planned out and there were plenty of activities, too. The boys friends still can remember the great times at the Grimm home due to all her hard work and effort. Gwens special touches also extended to the after prom party when she made iced doughnuts for the kids the following morning.

In 1993, Gwen and her family moved from Ft. Wayne to the farm house they call home today. Gwen made their farm house home and a gathering place for countless barn parties, family gatherings and holidays filled with massive card games, good food and open arms. After 14 years dedicated full time to her boys, she began working outside the home again - this time as a phenomenal substitute teacher who was in high demand as the favorite among the teachers. Gwen later began teaching full time at Coesse and Northern Heights. From there she spent eight years working at Mary Raber Elementary School. Her career came full circle when she retired from teaching. She was replaced by one of her previous preschool story time toddlers.
Although her life ended much too soon, anyone who met Gwen Grimm was bound to never forget her. Truly beautiful on the inside and out, her love for others was easy to see, and her devotion to her family and friends was unmatched. With selfless compassion, Gwen loved with her whole heart, a truly extraordinary woman. Gwens sweet smile and infectious laugh is embedded in everyones hearts. She will never be forgotten.

Gwen Marie Grimm, of Columbia City, Indiana, died on Friday, October 3, 2014, at Lutheran Hospital. Gwens family includes her husband, Steve Grimm; sons, Spencer Grimm of West Lafayette and Grant Grimm of Columbia City; mother, Susan Fields of Columbia City; brother, Randy (Sue Ann) Fields of Ossian; sisters, Jane (Barry) Cook of Charlotte, North Carolina, Jan (Chip) Zeller of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and Sara Fields of Columbia City; four very special nieces and nephews, Daniel Hoag, Sarah Alice Snyder, Emily, and Cory Zeller; and her special dogs, Miss Fannie, Trixie Beldon, and Lillie. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 10, 2014, from 2 to 8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 11, 2014, at the funeral home.