Gwen Minkler

Gwen Minkler, age 93, went on to be with her Lord and Savior in September of 2026.

Gwen was born in Burbank, CA, to Clarence and Mary. She grew up in Glendale, CA and Eugene, OR, with her older brother, Delbert. Gwen started her musical life as a child, mastering the piano, organ and accordion. She became a Christian at a young age and was a lifelong follower of the Lord.

Gwen attended Seattle Pacific University to begin her college career, then attended Anderson College in Indiana, where she majored in Christian Education and Bible Studies. While attending Anderson College, she met her husband, Harold Minkler, who was studying for the ministry. After spending 67 years together, Harold passed away in 2021. Upon graduation, they moved west to Coalinga, CA, to start life in their first church. They later moved to Sioux Falls, SD, then on to Kalamazoo, MI. Gwen was heavily involved in all aspects of the churches, whether that was teaching Sunday school, being the choir director, playing the organ, helping with visitations, or serving on committees. She was always committed to serving others.

Whilst in California, Gwen and Harold started a family. Both of their sons, Randy and Scott, were born in the late 1950s. While living in Sioux Falls, they adopted their daughter, Cindy. In the mid-1960s, they made their move to Kalamazoo, where they enjoyed another energetic, dynamic, and active congregation and spent 12 years there.

While in Kalamazoo, Gwen earned her teaching certificate. As the children grew up, she was able to begin teaching in the public school system and also gave piano lessons. Gwen always pursued “experiences” for our family, whether it was camping at Warner Camp, taking trips in the car, having a myriad of pets, or just opening our eyes to the world. Gwen made sure that we as a family were always appreciating and discovering something. She ensured we grew up in a very loving home, playing games, going to the “Y” for Family night, or playing and singing music. She was also relentless at keeping track of relatives and trying to keep us informed. She taught us that caring for others was an important priority.

During their brief year in Spokane, WA, while Harold was training to be a hospital chaplain, Gwen taught elementary school and attended night school at Whitworth College to earn her master’s degree in counseling. The family moved to Bellingham in 1977 where Gwen worked as a marriage and family counselor for Bethesda Cascade, then onto owning her own private counseling office. She also taught parenting classes at Whatcom Community College and developed classes at Western Washington University for teachers to build a peaceful society.

She was very involved in the Bellingham community, where she served on many boards and committees, including AAUW, Whatcom Choral Society, and Lydia Place to name a few. Gwen was always one to speak her mind, listen to others and keep things moving. As a member of the NAACP, she spoke throughout her adult life about the importance of Civil rights. She also served as the local representative for the United Nations, traveling to New York for conferences. Gwen’s wish was peace for all.

Upon their retirement, Gwen and Harold were able to travel to Turkey and Italy with friends from past congregations and to Germany as well. They also stayed active locally while being involved with several churches, including Cornwall Park Church of God, Birchwood Presbyterian, and First Congregational Church, as their shared faith remained an important part of their lives. Never one to sit still, Gwen continued to stay in contact with friends through book clubs and music groups. She touched so many people in so many different ways.

Gwen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. Harold L. Minkler; her parents, Clarence and Mary; and her brother, Delbert.

She is survived by her three children, Randy Minkler, Scott (Carole Scanes) Minkler, and Cindy Minkler; extended family; and many friends.

At her core, Gwen was a Christian, wife, mother, and friend. She always did her best and expected the best from those around her. She was dedicated to serving others in whatever way she could until the end. Gwen was always proper. She always had a smile for you, and it was always, “Please and thank you”! The world is a much better place because of her presence here. We will miss her.

A memorial service will be held in 2027. Check back here for service details.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gwen's honor may be made to Lydia Place.