Gwenn Marie Kleweno

Gwenn Marie Kleweno, age 74, of Burlington, Colorado, unexpectedly passed away peacefully at her home on April 24, 2026.

Gwenn was born to James “Jim” K. & Ellen “Marie” (Jensen) Bartlett on May 8, 1951, the oldest of six children to Jim and Marie. Gwenn attended school in Kanorado, KS, and Burlington, CO. And upon graduating from high school in 1970, she moved to Goodland, KS, to help her Uncle Dean take care of his three children. When the children started school, she worked at Alco as well as taking some evening bookkeeping and typing classes at Goodland Vo Tech.

After dating for a few years, Gwenn married Roger Kleweno on December 4th, 1971, and were married for 34 years before divorcing in 2006. After they married, they moved to Grand Junction, CO, where they lived and worked for several years. It was while living here that she took a cake decorating class at Mesa College for fun. She worked at an assembly line plant making circuit boards for the government and, eventually, changed jobs and started working at Albertson’s as the bakery manager and head cake decorator. Over the years, Gwenn has made many, many, many beautiful (and tasty) cakes. In 1974, they moved back to the Burlington & Idalia, CO area and set out to begin farming and start a family. To this union, four children were born.

Over the years, Gwenn took on many roles besides being a devoted Mother; she volunteered as a 4-H leader for sewing, cooking, and taught many kids cake decorating. She was a judge for canned goods; made sure the kids got to where they needed to be for various activities, and even made most of her kids' clothes when they were younger. She was a vacation bible schoolteacher and helper for many years at Hope Church in Bethune, was actively involved in the Ladies Aide group, which she enjoyed, and picked up and dropped off any kids that were along the route to make sure they could get there and home. She wore many hats, but one of her most precious times was when she was working as a substitute teacher in the preschool, and her first grandson, Ethan, would get to come visit. She worked at the school and was even a teller at Bankwest until moving closer to Burlington in 2006 to take care of her parents until they passed.

Gwenn was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and a faithful follower of Jesus. She was a woman of deep faith, known for her servant’s heart and her unwavering love for others. Her life was a reflection of Christ’s love - quietly and consistently caring for those around her, often putting others before herself.

Her greatest joy was her family. She loved each of her children dearly and took great pride in the lives they built. Her presence was a steady source of comfort, wisdom, and encouragement, and her love created a foundation that will continue to carry on for generations.

Gwenn was incredibly talented, with a natural gift for creativity. Whether through the various drawings she drew, to her personalized cards she poured her love into, her artistic cake decorating to celebrate those around her, or the beautiful details she added to everyday life, she had a way of making things feel special and meaningful. Her hands created not just art, but memories her family will cherish forever.

Above all, she loved Jesus. Her faith was not just something she believed - it was something she lived every day. Like a lighthouse, her faith guided her, offered her safety and hope amidst the dark and turbulent storms of life, and strengthened her. And strength is what she had, especially after enduring multiple back surgeries, a broken leg, trouble breathing, and then getting diagnosed with the early stages of congestive heart failure. She had quoted once, “No matter how tough Life gets, never give up!” It brings peace in knowing she is now walking with Him. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” - 2 Timothy 4:7

Gwenn is preceded in death by her parents, Jim in 2009 and Marie in 2012; sister, Kaye Ellen William in 1979; and both brothers, Chris Bartlett in 2009 and Lynn Bartlett in 2025. And grandparents Lena Schaffer, James K. Bartlett, Sr., and Ruth Bartlett Asher.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Jessica (Michael) Wolf of Kanorado, KS; Ginger (Cody) Powell of Burlington, CO; LauraLee (Jeff) Richards of Idalia, CO, and RJ (Abby) Kleweno of New Braunfels, TX as well as her nieces that were like daughters to her, Tracy (Jerry) Steggs of Holyoke, CO and Mindy (Brad) Richards of Idalia, CO.

Her grandchildren: Ethan (Bryar) Wolf, Emily, Ella, Eastin, Ensley, and Emberly Wolf; Midge & Gizmo Powell; Bryce, Bentley, Lili, and Levi Richards; Braxton, Chloe, Aubrey, Hallie, Macy, Hattie, Carson, and Lacie Kleweno; JC, Parker, Reese, and Bo Steggs; and Tyson, Trey, and Tanner Richards.

Her great-grandchildren: Hudson and Bonnie Wolf.

Her two sisters: Joyce (Dennis) Weaver and Pam Luther, and sister-in-law Sherry (Jerry) Meyer. Nieces and nephews: Heather (Joe) Prebish; Josh (Ericka) Finley; Jeremiah (Sarah) Williams; Travis (Sheila) Weaver; Vanessa (Doug) Worden; Val (Steve) May; and Leesa (Troy) McCue, and her aunt, neighbor, and friend, Glenda Gross, and many other extended family and friends.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who know her, but her legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of all she touched.

Memorials may be made out to the Donor's Choice and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.

"So, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified”. – Romans 15:7

Her life was a gift, and her love will never be forgotten.