Gwendolyn "Gwen" Elaine Puvogel

Gwendolyn "Gwen" Elaine Puvogel, 89, of Paola, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025 at Wellsville Health and Rehab.

Gwen was born on July 26, 1936, in Hiawatha, Kansas to Frank and Florence Withers. She attended Hiawatha Grade School and Kansas City Northeast High School.

On August 25, 1954, Gwen married the love of her life, Marvin Puvogel. Their marriage was one of devotion, partnership, and shared adventure. Early in their marriage they moved to Chicago while Marvin completed his service in the United States Air Force. During this time, Gwen worked at a children's orphanage - an early reflection of her lifelong love for caring for children. Gwen and Marvin often spoke fondly of their exciting year in Chicago.

The couple later moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where Gwen continued working at an orphanage while raising their sons, Tim and Steve. During their years in Omaha, Gwen was deeply involved in her children's lives, participating in Cub Scouts and Awana's programs and the family attended Bensonville Covenant Church.

In 1969, Gwen and Marvin made Paola, Kansas their home. Gwen worked for the USD 368 Food Service, all while ensuring her boys made it to countless practices and ball games and that there was always food on the table. She was a faithful member of Pearl Street Baptist Church and later attended Osawatomie Southern Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and occasionally shared her musical gift by playing the piano.

After retiring from the school district, Gwen became an in-home daycare provider. Many of the children she lovingly cared for remained special to her and returned to visit her as adults - a testament to the lasting impact she had on their lives. Gwen truly loved children and found great joy in nurturing them.

In retirement, Gwen and Marvin enjoyed traveling together. They made frequent trips to Salina to watch their grandchildren, spent time at area lakes, and enjoyed many trips to Colorado. One of their most cherished adventures was traveling to Alaska in their motor home. They were also active participants in Mission on Wheels, where they formed lifelong friendships.

Gwen enjoyed crocheting and sewing, creating countless handmade items for those she loved. Above all, she will be remembered for her feisty spirit, servant's heart, deep faith, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Gwen is survived by her loving husband, Marvin, sons, Tim (LuAnn) Puvogel of Salina, Kansas, and Steve Puvogel of Paola, Kansas, brother-in-law, Ron Gibson, sister-in-law, Wanda Puvogel, grandchildren Shaun (Jessica) Puvogel, Eric (Amanda) Puvogel, Stacy "Daisy May" Puvogel, Andrea (Sam) Peace, Trent Caswell; eight great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Florence Withers, two sisters, Virigina Rostocil and husband Frank, and Donna Gibson.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, beginning at 12:30pm with the funeral service to follow beginning at 1:00pm at the Dengel and Son Mortuary-Paola Chapel 305 N. Pearl St. Paola, KS 66071. Burial will be held at the Osawatomie Cemetery following the services. A reception will be held following the burial services at Town Square Events, 15 W. Wea St. Paola, KS 66071. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be donated to a family that was dear to Gwen's heart.