GAIL BARWIS

Gail Lund Barwis, age 64, of Oshkosh, passed peacefully from this life to our glorious Heavenly Father at her home on Tuesday, August 20. Gail, daughter of Louis S. Lund Jr. and Virginia K. Lund, was born on May 1, 1949 in Everett, Mass. Gail graduated from Everett High School and went on to earn a Bachelors Degree from Simmons College in Boston and a PhD in Mass Communication from Michigan State University. Gail was a loving mother and devoted wife who cherished her children, championed her husband, and always had a freshly-baked treat ready for the neighborhood children. Her care for others shaped her professional careers in teaching, journalism, and Christian ministry, and showed in her writing, art, and baking. As her children grew up and began their adult lives, she devoted herself to prison ministry, serving as a chaplain at Taycheedah Correctional Institution near Fond du Lac. She recently retired after serving 10 years in that position. Gail is survived by her loving husband Bill; son and daughter-in-law, Peter Barwis and Heather Price, son and daughter-in-law, Andrew and Erin Barwis; brother Ronald Lund; sister Virginia Castor; and Bills parents, Bill and Eleanor Barwis. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Joanne Hayworth. Services will be held at Appleton Alliance Church, 2693 W. Grand Chute Blvd., Appleton at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 23, 2013 with Rev. Jeff Brown and Rev. Brian Dainsberg officiating. Visitation will be at church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Compassion International or Special Olympics of Wisconsin. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Affinity Group medical staff and the pulmonary staff at UW Hospital in Madison for their excellent care.