Gwendolyn Nodsle, age 82, of Ulen, MN, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Viking Manor Nursing Home in Ulen.

Gwendolyn Hettenbaugh was born on August 31, 1943, in Richardton, ND, to Homer and Leona (Davis) Hettenbaugh. When Gwen was very young, the family moved to a farm near Glyndon, MN. She graduated from Glyndon-Felton High School with the class of 1961.

On October 21, 1961, Gwen married the love of her life, John Nodsle, at Highland Grove Lutheran Church. The couple first rented a farm southeast of Hitterdal, and in 1964 they purchased a farm west of Ulen. There they farmed, raised cows, and built their life together while raising their four children: Ronda, Jean, Robert, and Kristi. Gwen also worked seasonally in the scale house at Northern Improvement Company, where she weighed trucks. After John's passing in 2018, Gwen continued living on the farm until moving into town in 2022.

Gwen had a lifelong love of horses. She enjoyed caring for and riding them and passed that love on to her children and grandchildren, often encouraging them at horse shows. Over the years she had many special horses, with a favorite named Lady.

Gwen took great pride in caring for her family. When her children were young, she spent time sewing their clothes and later became well known in the family for her baking, especially her buns and doughnuts. She also enjoyed a good game of cards. Trips she shared with her daughters to Sacagawea/Richardton and Duluth remain cherished memories for them. Gwen had a spunky personality and enjoyed life. Her warm smile and friendly nature will be remembered by all who knew her.

Gwen is survived by her children, Ronda (Larry) Fischer of Ulen, Jean (Kevin Hayer) Nodsle-Fuchs of Hawley, MN, Robert (Cathi) Nodsle of Hitterdal, and Kristi (Todd Arntson) Nodsle of Lake Park; grandchildren: Christopher, Aaron, and Cole Peterson, Molly and Mason Fuchs, Joey, Nathan, Catey, John Henry, Megan, Cody, and Emma Nodsle, and Tate, Tristan, and Toby Elliott; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Jeanne Seter; close friend, Jim Anderson; as well as many special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Todd Peterson; and siblings: Harlan, Darlene, and Patty.

Gwen's family would like to thank the staff at Viking Manor for the wonderful care they provided during her time there.

In honor of Gwen, memorials may be given to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or to a charity of your choosing.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 11:00am, with visitation one hour prior, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ulen. Inurnment will be held at the North Bethlehem Cemetery in Ulen, at a later date.