Gwen VanKeulen

Gwendlyn Marie VanKeulen (Kockelman), age 60, of Louisburg, KS went to be with Jesus on September 5, 2025

She was born in Marshall, Minnesota in 1965 to Myron and Connie Kockelman and was “one of one” with 5 brothers. She attended the Minneota public schools where she played volleyball, was a cheerleader, and graduated in 1983 as the class valedictorian. She went on to attend Canby Votech for her degree in accounting. Although she loved her accounting career, her true calling was raising her children to love the Lord.

Gwen met the love of her life, Perry, in high school. They started dating when they were 16 years old. Excited to start their new life together, the two of them were married on July 19, 1986 in Minneota, MN. Gwen and Perry were blessed with four beautiful children—Zachary, Jeremy, Jonathan and Abigail. They enjoyed many years traveling together whether it be special trips to Australia, Hawaii, Paris, Morocco and a cruise through Italy and Rome just the two of them or the simple trips of shuffling their kids to and from activities. They grew and nurtured a family pointed toward Jesus. Out of all her hobbies, her favorite was playing with those who called her “Grandma.” You could find her on the ground playing tractors, in the backyard pushing swings, or cuddled up reading a book. She truly came to life with her grandkids.

Gwen was passionate about her faith and was able to minister with The Word of God to disciple people. She had a heart for mentoring young women, loved attending conferences with dear friends and leading Bible studies or prayer groups. We will always remember the way she cared for and treated others. Always sharing a word of encouragement, a prayer, or a listening ear.

Gwen will be missed immensely by those who loved her, but we find peace in the promise of eternity with Him and being reunited again.

She is survived by her husband, Perry VanKeulen. Her children, Zachary VanKeulen, Jeremy (Katie) VanKeulen, Jonathan VanKeulen, and Abigail VanKeulen. Her grandchildren, Brantley and Harper VanKeulen. Her parents, Myron and Connie Kockelman. Her siblings Dean Kockelman, Dale (Melissa) Kockelman, Dan (Julie) Kockelman, Duane (Brooke) Kockelman, and David (Stephanie) Kockelman. And many, adored nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to the following churches in Gwen’s Honor: Life.Church-Overland Park, Living Proof Church-Paola, Grace Life Church- Marshall.

Services are as follows: Friday, September 12, 2025, Red Hawk Ranch, 9400 W. 191st St., Bucyrus, KS 66013. Visitation to be held at 9:30am, with a celebration of life to follow at 10:30am.

Saturday, September 13, 2025, Grace Life Church, 601 E College Dr., Marshall, MN 56258. Visitation to be held at 3:00pm, with a celebration of life to follow at 4:00pm.