Gwen K. Downing

Gwen K. Downing (Hovden) December 3, 1954 - November 2, 2025

With profound heartbreak, we announce Gwen Downing of Green Bay, Wisconsin, passed away courageously on November 2nd, 2025, at the age of 70, in her home surrounded by her children.

She is proceeded in death by her sister, Becky Hovden, her grandparents, Gerald and Caroline Hovden, her brother-in-law, Steve Lee, and her ex-husband, Rexford Downing Jr.

Gwen is survived by her children, Dena and Mitchell (Cassandra) Downing, her grandchildren, Irelynn Darcy, Kaedan Brickner, and Liam Downing, her parents, Wayne and Patricia Hovden, her siblings, Steve Hovden, Lesa Jo Hovden-Lee, and Ivan (Sara) Hovden.

Gwen was born in Decorah, IA. She graduated from Crestwood High School in 1973. She went to beauty school following graduation. She opened her own beauty salon in Ridgeway, IA, where she was a beautician for three years. In 1977, she married Rexford Downing Jr. and to this union, two children were born. In 1984, their family moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where she resided until she passed. She enjoyed her career in administrative operations for many years. She later found joy in the service industry, where she formed many meaningful relationships and touched countless lives.

Gwen shared an especially close bond with her son, who she referred to as her “rock.” She enjoyed special time with her daughter, drinking coffee and playing cards. She loved “going back home” to Iowa, spending time with her parents, siblings, and the rest of her family. She cherished a lifelong bond with her parents, consisting of love, care, and unwavering support for each other. She enjoyed fishing, boating, and family time at The River. She also enjoyed playing her song-list, watching football, and spending time with her friends, whom she also considered family. They considered her “the life of the party.”

Gwen loved sports, and throughout her life, she enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren participate in them. Gwen was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, and aunt. Gwen was most proud of being a grandmother and spending time with her grandchildren. She had a pure heart of generosity, never hesitating to drop everything to help her children, and be there for her grandchildren.

Gwen will truly be missed, but never forgotten. Tough, loving, funny, “a good time,” stubborn, a fighter…we lost a true legend.

A celebration of Gwen’s life will be held in Iowa on 11/29/25, at the Ridgeway Community Center from 1-5pm.

A celebration of Gwen’s life will be held in Green Bay on 12/06/25, at Boehmer’s Bar from 2pm until ??

Those who knew her are encouraged to honor her memory with laughter, stories, drinks, and photos… exactly the way Gwen would have wanted.