Gwenith N. DeMey

Gwenith “Gwen” Naomi DeMey was born on December 29, 1929, in Dow City, Iowa, the daughter of George and Golda (Birkhofer) Brink. She was baptized and later confirmed at the Dow City Methodist Church. Gwen attended Dow City High School, where she first laid down roots in her beloved hometown.

On April 7, 1947, Gwen married Robert Joseph DeMey in Denison, Iowa. The couple settled in Vail and were blessed with three children: Judith, Robert, and Jodi. Gwen worked for the local gas company in Denison, and in the 1950s, the family moved from Vail to Denison before ultimately returning to Dow City, where they built their life together. She was a homemaker and spent her life raising her children.

In addition to her work, Gwen was a devoted farmer's wife. She tended to the cows, pigs, and chickens and kept a bountiful vegetable garden, where she found joy in canning the season’s harvest. Her flower garden was also a source of pride, especially her treasured peony bushes.

Gwen and Robert enjoyed a full life together, including trips to the casino, breakfast outings with friends, and card games. Sundays were often spent on adventures, with picnic lunches and fishing poles in tow, exploring wherever the day might take them. Family was always at the center of her life, and she especially loved attending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s activities, cheering them on and sharing in their achievements. Family vacations were a cherished tradition, taking them across the country—from Kentucky and Florida to Branson and Hawaii, where, at the age of 89, she delighted in her first visit to Disney World.

Gwen was a dedicated member of the United Methodist Church in Dow City, serving on various committees and hosting Bible study in her home. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life, and she took joy in supporting her church community.

In February 2023, Gwen moved to Silveridge, where she continued to thrive, participating in devotion classes, crafts, and exercise groups. She quickly made new friends and enjoyed the activities that filled her days.

On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, Gwen passed away at Gracewell Lutheran Home in Denison at the age of 94 years, ten months, and eight days.

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert J. DeMey Sr.; her son, Robert DeMey Jr.; son-in-law, Pete Emerson; and her siblings, George Jr. “Hoot” Brink, Katherine (Raymond) Kline, Lila (Albert “Tab”) Christensen, Joyce (Leonard) Meggers, Donna (Charles) Beerman, Bill Brink, and John Brink.

She is survived by her two daughters: Judith Emerson of Iowa Falls, IA, and Jodi (Mark) Head of Denison; her grandchildren, Megan (Dan) Miller, Jered (Lexus) Head, and Matthew Head; her great-grandchildren, Tate Miller, Denver Miller, Gage Head, Kambri Head, and Chesney Head; her brother Bob (Christine) Brink of MN; sister-in-law, Ruth Brink; Robert Sr.’s siblings, Jack (Janice) DeMey of Denison, Ellen Brink of Dow City, and Sharon Cue of Dunlap, as well as many other beloved relatives and friends.

Gwen will be remembered for her warmth, her devotion to family and faith, and the joy she brought to those around her.

Visitation with the family will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Her funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 11, 2024, at the United Methodist Church in Dow City with burial to follow in the Dow City Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family for a donation to be made in her name.