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Gwendolyn Fern Nielsen, age 64, died peacefully at home in Casper, Wyoming, in the presence of her daughter and grandson on Dec. 29, 2024, after a traumatic battle with Bulbar Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Gwen was diagnosed with Bulbar ALS in February of 2024, but her children believe symptoms started as early as fall 2022. Despite how debilitating her disease was, she consistently looked beautiful and didn’t give up until the very end of her life.
Gwendolyn was born on June 30, 1960 in Powell, Wyoming, to James Edward Friedly and Reva Gene Friedly. She was raised in Cody, Wyoming. She graduated from Cody High School in 1978 and from the University of Wyoming School of Pharmacy in 1987. She was president of her pharmacy sorority SAPHA and a pharmacist for 38 years. Her last pharmacy position was for The Northern Cheyenne Tribe in Lame Deer, Montana, where they honored her for her amazing work ethic, brilliant mind and tenacious spirit.
Gwendolyn married Kurt Ray Nielsen on Aug. 27, 1987. Gwen loved the Nielsens to the moon and back and they adored her. Their son Shane Russel was born in 1990 and daughter Julia Lauren in 1996.
Gwendolyn is survived by her two children; her son Shane Nielsen and daughter Julia Nielsen. She is also survived by her grandson, Leon. She is survived by her nine siblings: Jimmy Friedly, Dennis Friedly, Sheryl Barnes, Chris Friedly, Colette Decker, Del Friedly, Milton Friedly, Jackie Wilder, Tammy Wahlbrink, many nieces, nephews and their families.
Gwendolyn had a passion for helping others in need, volunteering for many years at various organizations. She was an amazing cook and hostess, and always welcomed guests to her beautiful home for the holidays and special occasions. Her house showcased all of the art her siblings created over the years, as well as many family heirlooms. She took immense pride in her family and loved them all with her entire heart and soul. She was passionate about music, gardening and her friends as well. If you came by her house on any given summer day, you could find her gardening and tending to weeds and flowers. She also loved her dog Bernie, who was a border collie/Australian shepherd mix and they loved going on adventures together. Gwendolyn had a quirky, adorable personality that led others to trust her immensely. Being a social butterfly was in her nature, her laughter and giggle were contagious and she made every gathering more fun. She touched the lives of many and always made the effort to make people feel loved and included.
She left this world too soon, but she is now within the safe embrace of the Lord. Revelation 21:4: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
Family and friends are invited to attend her funeral at City Park Church on Jan. 11, 2025 at 1 p.m. City Park Church is located at 804 S. Wolcott St, Casper, Wyoming, 82601.
There will also be a celebration of life memorial on May 24, 2025 in Cody, Wyoming at Hugh Smith Park.
Memorial donations may be made in Gwen’s name to Central Wyoming Hospice at 319 S. Wilson in Casper, Wyoming.
Gwen, WE LOVE YOU A BUSHEL & A PECK. Your siblings: Jimmie, Dennis, Sheryl, Chris, Colette, Del, Milt, Jackie and Tammy.
