Gwynlyn H. Gant

Gwynlyn, or Nena, as she liked to be called, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2015, in Mexico, MO. A memorial service will be held at North Mankato Mortuary, Northview, February 14, at 11:00 a.m.; visitation one half hour prior. When Nena was 13 years old (1938), she received a diary for Christmas and on January 1, 1939 she became an ardent diarist and correspondent. Little did she know that writing would become a life-long habit. It's a great blessing for her survivors to have over 70 years of diaries and letters that mark the highs, the lows, and the everyday life of a truly lovely and loving woman. As a teenager, she wrote poetry, and later wrote memoirs about her childhood and family. Nena cherished her immediate and extended family. She beautifully expressed eternal mother-love. She loved God and her Christian Science faith, serving as Sunday school teacher and on many church committees. Gwynlyn was born October 29, 1925 to Mayme (Bublitz) and Fred Himmelman in Mankato, MN. As a small child she lived in St. Paul and Nicollet, MN. Her memories of Nicollet were vivid and sweet. She attended North Mankato elementary school; was a 1943 graduate of Mankato H.S., and Mankato Business College, 1945. On September 13, 1947, Gwynlyn married Dorsett H. Gant (1919-2005). As a young wife and mother she assisted in Dorsett's contractor business. Gwyn Avenue in Mankato is named for her, as Dorsett's firm built the Gwyn Ave houses in 1948-49. Their four children were born in Mankato. In 1957 Dorsett's business opportunities required the family to move to Missouri, and they settled in Kirkwood, MO for 38 years. She liked Kirkwood yet her heart remained in Mankato. Nena continued to work with Dorsett throughout the years and they retired to Mexico, MO where she lived the last 20 years. Gwynlyn is predeceased by her husband, Dorsett, son and daughter-in-law, Stuart and Robin Gant, daughter-in-law, Lee Gant, and grandson, Jason Gant. Survivors include Jeffrey Gant (Kansas City, MO), Rebecca Bryden (Dave) Minneapolis, MN, and Deborah Teague (Bill) Mexico, MO; four grandchildren, Justin, Courtney, Alexis, and Brett Gant; siblings in Minnesota are Elaine Anderson, Blaine Himmelman, Donna Southwick, and Dale Himmelman; many nieces and nephews. Memorials suggested to Blue Earth County Historical Society - bechshistory.com and the Salvation Army.