Gloria Judith "Judy" Gongwer

The service will be livestreamed. This link will go live 5 to 10 minutes prior to the memorial service

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF3Bk_heBuiMErAWRfv-1nQ/live

Gloria Judith “Judy” Gongwer, 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 11, 2026, at her home near Syracuse.

She was born December 6, 1938, in Union City, Michigan, to Walter and N. Eliene (Parks) Ely. She graduated from Union City High School in 1956 and continued her education at Greenville College with a bachelor’s degree in education followed later by a master’s degree in elementary education from Purdue University.

Judy married Richard Gongwer on June 10, 1961, in St. Johns, Michigan. She enjoyed being a substitute teacher in various local elementary schools and served faithfully in different churches in northern Indiana pastored by her husband. She was a full-time second grade teacher for fifteen years in Jay County school corporation. She was a devoted wife and mother. Judy, who was quiet and unassuming, loved being with her family. She liked keeping a clean house, planting and tending her flower beds, and traveling with Richard to National Parks after they retired. In June 2026, they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Although hindered in her later years from some activities due to Parkinson’s Disease, she continued to praise the Lord for all He had provided her. In her last few months, she enjoyed riding in the golf cart to see the neighborhood and go to the pier for boat rides.

Richard survives along with children Dr. Cameron (Anne) Gongwer, South Bend, Cari Gongwer, Syracuse, and Dr. Curtis (Jeni) Gongwer, South Bend; four grandchildren, Caylor Gongwer, Courtney (William) Clifton, Caitlyn Gongwer, and Colin Gongwer; and sister Roslyn Dennler, Idaho, and nephews, Robert Ravenscroft, Craig Ravenscroft, Ted Dennler and Jed Dennler.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, and sister, Dolores Ravenscroft.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 24 from 6-8 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held Friday, this September 25 at 11 a.m., also at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home with Pastor Brian Smith officiating. A private burial will take place at Olive East Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Crosspoint Global Health, Inc., 3903 Portage Road, STE C South Bend, IN 46628-6192.