Gwendolyn M'lyn Heinen
Our dearly beloved Gwen, age 33, went to be with the Lord on May 1, 2024. A loving mother and caring, tender wife, Gwen loved Jesus deeply. Even through intense postpartum depression, she loved her family and friends well, always speaking about the Lord’s goodness, faithfulness, and power to heal and save. She will be remembered for her empathy for others, especially those that had experienced trauma, and her love for bringing them truth and hope.
Gwen had an angelic, beautiful voice and loved to sing worship music in praise to our great God. She knew how to minister to the hearts of others and make them laugh in the same breath. She inspired other women to be gentle wives and mothers, and her fiery side was fuel for so much fun and laughter. Our Gwen was an absolute light that reflected Jesus, a light that captivated the hearts and minds of so many. Many described her as the sweetest person they knew.
Gwen will be deeply missed by her loving husband, Michael, of 11 years and their three sons Arlo (7), Remington (3), and Shaeffer (4 months). She is preceded in death by her beloved grandparents James and Dorothy (Willoughby) Graper. She is survived by her parents Anthony Manion and Ann Graper Nance; brothers Nick (Kristin) and Alex; brothers-in-law Jason (Jean) Heinen, Tim (Haley) Heinen, Alex (Ashley) Heinen, Jeff (Katy) Heinen, Isaac Heinen, and sister-in-law Melissa (Zack) Wallin; her in-laws, Jeff and Holly Heinen; grandparents George and Mardel Manion, Bill and Carol Heinen, Don and Jody Pearson; and many, many nieces, nephews and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Oak Grove Church, 5920 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN, beginning at 11:30am, with visitation from 10:00 until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Gwen's name to bless a faith-based suicide prevention organization. The service will also be live streamed on YouTube (@oakgrovechurch2036) in case you are unable to attend in person.