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- [S8] Information from an informant - Auskunft eines Informanten - Information d'un informateur.
Description: Gretchen Oien was born 27 December 1948 married James Alan Dauenhauer July 1968. One child, Lukas James Dauenhauer born 06 February 1972. James Alan Dauenhauer was born 16 May 1948 in Spokane, Washington USA as was his child.
Kathleen M Dauenhauer Lund
- [S927] Obituary.
DAUENHAUER, Gretchen
(Age 72)
Gretchen, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, died at home on February 4, 2021 after an arduous battle with dementia.
A lifelong resident of Spokane, WA, she graduated Central Valley High School in 1967. She left with a diploma, and more importantly, the love of her life. She married her high school sweetheart, Jim, in '68 and spent the next 52 years creating a home full of love, stability, and amazing food. Their enduring marriage was a true example of unconditional love. They welcomed a son, Luke, into the world a few years after marrying, and you'd be hard pressed to find a son who adored, respected, or was inspired by his mother more.
Relationships were of utmost importance to Gretchen, and she found the most fulfillment and support in her family ties. She adored her two brothers, and any chance to spend time with them was precious. Her nephews and niece were always sources of joy. Holidays, backyard BBQs, and picnics at the park were particular favorite ways to spend time with family. These times were always followed by long, after meal talks reminiscing about family adventures.
Gretchen's faith provided the building blocks for much of the life she built for her family. She enjoyed being a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church. She was a Sunday school teacher, acolyte director, Mary Cares group member, and visiting minister for the congregation. Over the course of her 40 year membership, she made lifelong friendships that grew far beyond the church walls. Gretchen believed in prayer and valued reading the bible for inspiration and comfort.
Though she struggled with Lupus, she never let it define her. Her desire to care for others in varying ways outweighed her fatigue from the illness. After her only son moved out, she began to nanny for a few family's children. Later, she used her gift for caregiving taking care of two adults with dementia. She also worked for the Express program at Spokane Public Schools. Gretchen's time caring for others felt valuable beyond measure to her.
Gretchen joined PFLAG in 1996. She became active in it, but wanted something more personal so she, and a few other moms, started what attending members called the Mom's Group. They met, over food, and provided a safe space for moms to just be with other moms who had LGBT kids, and talk about whatever was happening in their lives. The group met for several years and Gretchen was proud of her involvement in it.
She enjoyed a good cup of hot water, playing with the family schnauzer, going to Luby Bay, a great piece of peanut butter toast, eating green salad at almost every meal, and filling her planters with geraniums. She excelled at making those around her feel loved and understood.
If you knew Gretchen, you were touched and changed by her. Her indelible spirit, abounding grace, and abundant hospitality made you a better person for having experienced it.
Gretchen was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Theodore, and her brother Ted.
She is survived by her loving husband, Jim; her son Luke, his husband Joel and their daughter Margaret; her brother Peter; several nephews and a niece; extended family and innumerable friends.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published in Spokesman-Review on Feb. 14, 2021.
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1948 - 2021 (72 years)
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