Gwendolyn Mahr, 74

June 27, 1952 - 

July 6, 2026

 

Gwendolyn Janice Mahr (Shaffer), age 74, passed away peacefully at her home near Lime Springs, IA on Monday, July 6, 2026.

Gwen was born on June 27, 1952, in Cresco, IA, the daughter of the late Janice Audrey (Anderson) Shaffer and Earl “Barney” Newton Shaffer. She was later joined by two brothers, Wayne and Gene.

Gwen’s childhood was filled with family, friends, laughter and love.  Much of her youth was spent enjoying the company of her family, especially her double-first cousins.  They spent endless days playing on the farm from sunrise to sunset.  Her school years brought even more laughter and love.  This is where she met new friends that truly became friends for life.  But this was just the beginning of her journey filled with laughter and love.

On April Fool’s Day in 1972, at Matter’s Ballroom, Gwen’s life was forever changed. This is where she first met the love of her life, Mike Mahr.  Seven short months later the two soulmates were married, on November 18, 1972, at Jerico Lutheran Church. The newlyweds began their life together in Ames.  Mike attended Iowa State University while Gwen worked for the University. In March of 1974, they moved to their forever home south of Lime Springs where she fit in perfectly with the extensive Mahr family in the area.  Now settled into their new home, they were ready to build a life filled with love, family, and countless memories.

Gwen and Mike welcomed their daughter, Sheila, in November of 1974. They experienced the heartbreaking loss of their son, Shawn, in 1976, before welcoming their son, Eric, in 1977. Eleven years later, after putting an addition on their home, they also welcomed an addition to their family with the birth of their son, Andrew, in 1988.

Gwen was not only dedicated to being a loving wife, mother and friend, she was also dedicated to her career.  In 1986 she began her career working for the ASCS/FSA office in Cresco, where she dedicated 26 years of service. She genuinely enjoyed working with the local farming community and treasured the relationships she built over the years—even with a few self-proclaimed “Barnyard Savages”.

In 1998 Gwen became a mother-in-law for the first time.  Aaron, Lisa and Tonya were married into the family and were loved as much as her own. In 2003, Gwen proudly took on one of her favorite roles when her first grandchild, Keagan, was born, earning her the cherished nickname “Nemo.” Over the years, eight more grandchildren were blessed to call her Nemo, a title she wore with immense pride and unconditional love. She will watch closely over Keagan, Zane, Axel, Vice, Alli, Audrey, Avery, Lyncoln, Lawsyn and all grandchildren or great-grandchildren that are yet to come!

Retirement gave Gwen the opportunity to devote even more time to the things she loved most. She found great joy in traveling, tending to her beautiful flower gardens, shopping, playing cards and spending time with family and friends. She especially loved camping, and one of her greatest traditions was the annual “Grandkids Camping Weekend,” where memories were made around campfires, on adventures, and through the simple joy of being together. Those weekends became treasured family traditions that her grandchildren will carry with them forever.

Gwen shared so many smiles and laughs with the friendships she made throughout her life. Whether it was Card Club, The Birthday Girls Club, “Old” Card Club, her ASCS Office friends, the Summer Travel Families, Country Club girls, Supervisor Group, Alabama Group, Ox N’ Wren Coffee Club, Wemark Shopping Group, or her High School Friends Group, she treasured every laugh, every trip, and every moment spent with those she loved.

   Survivors include her husband Mike, children: Sheila (Aaron) Wemark, Erick (Lisa) Mahr and Andrew (Tonya) Mahr; nine grandchildren; brothers Wayne (Liberty) Shaffer and Gene (Jayne) Shaffer; brothers and sisters in-law: Bev (Dale) Alstat, Barb (Bill) Mahr, Deby Mahr, Janet Mahr, Neil (Janelle) Mahr, Greg (Joyce) Mahr, Donna (Kelly) Thomas, Shar (Don) Hruska, Mar (Pat) Ollendieck and Deb (Kirk) Novak; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

   She was preceded in death by her parents, infant son, father and mother-law Gene and Judy Mahr, brothers in-law John and Thom Mahr and dear friend Nancy Lou Hruska.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Jerico Lutheran Church.  Visitation was held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Schmelzer Funeral Home in Cresco and again one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday morning. Burial took place at Calvary Cemetery in Cresco.