Gwen Ellen Grosskopf

Gwen Grosskopf, 69, of Oshkosh, WI passed away on June 23, 2026. She earned a Bachelors and Masters degree in Business Administration from UW Eau Claire. She was employed in IT Support at Covetrus. Anyone knowing Gwen knew that dog kisses, wagging tails and paw prints were indispensable parts of her home decor. Her kitchen window looked out into her park-like backyard where she enjoyed relaxing with a good book and a pitcher of iced tea while watching her dogs frolic in the yard. If they weren't frolicking, they were waiting hopefully by the fence in case neighbor Rick came by with a special treat.

One of Gwen's favorite things to do was pile the fur family into the car and travel to the family cottage in Northern WI. She loved sitting by the lake watching the dogs swim and look for fish and frequently joined them for a dip to cool off and join in the fun. One of her favorite photographs was a fall scene from the north woods where she and two of her Newfies, Anya and Eden, were walking along Kordick Lake Road on a sunny fall afternoon when the leaves were turning colors.

Gwen also liked to cook. Her turkey dressing at Thanksgiving was always a big hit with anyone lucky enough to get a sample. She also baked specialty breads at Christmas like bourbon nut bread. She enjoyed sharing her labors with those who appreciated and valued the holiday treats, including homemade candy like chocolate peanut clusters. When homemade wasn't the way to go there were always M&Ms and excursions to Hughes to fill in the gaps.

As children, one of our family outings were Sunday drives in the country to look for hickory trees that had dropped their nuts. We would pick the nuts, bring them home to dry out, crack them and pick out the nut meats from the shells. Gwen cultivated a taste for a cake from her favorite bakery made with hickory nuts and covered in butter cream frosting. She would have one of her dogs put in an order with the bakery for her own birthday cake. The party was over when the bakery stopped making the hickory nut cakes and Gwen quit frequenting them in response to the assault to her culinary senses.

Gwen loved to read and participated for many years in a book club with some of her cousins. Members of the group would take turns hosting the monthly meetings, select a book to read and then meet to share and discuss thoughts and opinions on the book that had been selected. The meetings usually included a meal at the host's home or an outing at a nearby restaurant.

Gwen's home displayed some of her cross-stitch artwork on the walls. She had made a number of samplers and other works that included blessings or other sentiments meaningful to her. Her artwork was exquisitely detailed. Her living room window coverings were also important to her. They were made by our mother when Gwen first moved into her home. She loved the pattern and colors which she had picked out. She had a favorite recliner chair and enjoyed watching classic black and white movies... remember Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond from Sunset Boulevard?

Gwen was blessed to have caring friends and neighbors in her life. Rick and Kim kept the dogs entertained with treats they handed out. They were also generous in providing help with outside chores and other ways of lending a hand. Dorothy and family, also neighbors, lavished attention on the fur family as well. Most dogs will tell you there's no such thing as too much attention or too many treats. Gwen enjoyed her outings with friends Darla and Perry. They took road trips together and Gwen relished having a chance to experience fine dining in places with elegant table settings, real silverware, and waitstaff who looked the part.

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, Janet and Edwin Grosskopf; and a sister, Amy Belanger. She is survived by siblings and family members Diane (Warren) Dettman, Lois Tingley, Peter, (Margaret) Grosskopf, John (Mary) Grosskopf, Andy Grosskopf, and Dave (Terri) Belanger. She also has many cherished nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service for Gwen will be held at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Homes-Westside, 100 Lake Pointe Drive, Oshkosh, WI on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 12:00pm. Visitation will begin at 11:00am and continue until the start of the service.

She is loved and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating towards ongoing care of her beloved pets, Nai'a and Dillon.