Gwendell L. Boyer (Gwen)

Age 94, and a lifelong resident of Ithaca, Gwendell passed away on Monday, April 22, 2019, having resided at Stone Lodge Memory Care in Shepherd for the past two years.

Gwendell was born on October 28, 1924 to Elmer and Lilly Boyer.  He graduated from Ithaca High School, Class of 1943.  He served honorably, proudly and with distinction in the Army Air Force during WWII flying as a ball-turret gunner on B17s, The Flying Fortress, for 13 combat missions and receiving the Air Medal.  Following the service, he traveled to Chicago to train as an electrician which became his lifelong trade.

On July 3, 1947, he married “the girl next door” and the love of his life, (Ella) Jean Davis and bought their first and only home on North St. Johns Street, where they raised four children, never to move again until his move to Stone Lodge in his last years.

Gwendell enjoyed Tuesday morning coffee at McDonalds and Friday night football with his good friends.  He spent many hours sitting on his front porch watching the birds and squirrels play in his yard and cars driving by.  He will be remembered by all who knew him for his humor, his corny jokes, and generous nature.

He is survived by his daughters, Karen Turja (Ken) of Indialantic, FL, Connie Etheridge (Larry) of W. Melbourne, FL, and Cheryl Leight (Mike) of Six Lakes; daughter-in-law, Mary Boyer of Shepherd; two grandchildren, Karlynn Madison of Mt Pleasant and Ryan Boyer (Kelly) of Farmington Hills; and four great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister Janet White of Ithaca and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Gwendell was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jean of 58 years, and his son Wayne, and his four brothers, and three of his four sisters.

A celebration of life will be held 2-4pm June 15, 2019 at the Ithaca Senior Activity Building. Military Honors will be held at 3:30pm. The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Memorial contributions may be made to either the Ithaca VFW Post 7805, P.O. Box 104, Ithaca, MI 48847 or to the Senior Activity Building. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.