Gwendolyn Jean Mueksch, 71, of Buffalo Gap passed away Friday, December 15, 2006 at Castle Manor Nursing Care Center in Hot Springs surrounded by the love of her three daughters.

Born June 19, 1935 to Glenn and Vivian Fugier, Gwendolyn Jean was one of the couple's five children to spend their youth in the then booming town of Buffalo Gap, SD. Never drifting too far from her place of birth, Gwen chose always to stay near to those who meant so much to her; her family and friends.

Following her graduation from Buffalo Gap High School in 1953, she wed James Hannan on November 11, 1953 in her home town. Following their marriage Gwen moved to the Hannan homestead, south of Oral. Here, the Hannan family, now four children strong, farmed and ranched for many years. Through the 1970s, Gwen worked a
grueling schedule on the ranch as Jim's health had deteriorated and was also employed part-time at the Oral Post Office. During these years, however, she remained the strength of her family as her husband Jim battled MS which took his life in 1983. In 1982, her children now raised, Gwen became postmaster of the Oral Post Office, where she passed each day behind the counter sorting mail and eagerly waiting to greet her friends and neighbors with a cup of coffee.

On January 14, 1984, in Oral, she was united in marriage with Sterling Mueksch. They spent the next fourteen years bringing joy to each others lives through traveling, working the farm, going to the music shows throughout the Black Hills, and hosting family gatherings whenever possible. Sterling, however, passed away after a long battle with cancer in 1998. Never one to complain, Gwen continued on as postmaster in Oral, even while undergoing dialysis three days a week during the final two years of her career. In November of 2005 she retired from the postal service, concluding an era in Oral history that is fondly remembered by many.

Gwen endured many hardships in her life, but faced them always with the strength and knowledge of her savior Jesus Christ. She is a symbol of strength and solidarity to her family and set an example to strive to uphold. Her family and friends were of greatest importance to her, and she took great joy from helping those around her. Grateful for having the privilege of sharing both her joys and her struggles are: her four children,
daughters Anna (Jerry) Speaect of Oral, Barb (Brad) Reif of Florissant, CO, and Teresa White of Rapid City and her son Bob Hannan of Pierre; one sister Audrey Shaw of Oelrichs; two brothers Arthur (Delores) Fugier of Thermopolis, WY and Paul (Carol) Fugier of Buffalo Gap; two step-daughters, seven grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, one great-granddaughter; a host of nieces, nephews, cherished in-laws, and a long list of extended family and friends. She is celebrating Christmas in heaven with her parents, grandparents, her two beloved husbands, a brother, granddaughter, and step-daughter.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, December 20, 2006 at the United Churches in Hot Springs with Pastor Gary Geiman and Pastor David Anderson officiating.

Committal Services will follow at the Fairview Cemetery near Oral.

A memorial has been established in Gwendolyn's name.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of McColley's Chapel of Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.