Gaylene J. Nefzger, 87, of Rock Island, passed away Friday, December 1, 2023.

Gaylene was born May 20, 1936, in Barnes City, Iowa, to Willard C. and Helene (Hartgraves) Gregory. She graduated from Jackson High School in Minnesota and attended the University of Iowa, receiving her LPN degree. Gaylene married Benny D Nefzger on June 10, 1956, in Barnes City, Iowa. She was a proud Air Force wife. Gaylene worked for more than 20 years at Augustana College in the bookstore and ticket office, and previously worked at Grinnell College. Since moving to Rock Island, she and her husband enjoyed going to various cultural and sporting events at Augustana. Gaylene was a member of the former First United Methodist Church in Rock Island.

Gaylene lived a life of service, volunteering at the ARC of the Quad Cities as well as several elementary schools in Moline. She received the ARC of the Quad Cities Lifetime Achievement award in 2017 and was recognized by the state of Illinois as the Volunteer of the Year.

Gaylene had many hobbies. She enjoyed pottery, knitting, backpacking, hiking, and bicycling. She liked collecting stamps and had a considerable collection. Gaylene enjoyed gardening throughout her life, continuing well into her eighties. She loved traveling with her husband, visiting China, Sierra Leone, Europe, Bosnia, Panama, and Croatia to name a few. Above all, Gaylene treasured the time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Those left to cherish Gaylene's memory include her husband of 67 years, Benny; daughters, Julie Smith and Sally (Bradley) Bridges; grandchildren, Eric (Chelsey) Smith, Ashley Poust (Lucy Chang), Benjamin (Jessica) Poust, Allison (Patrick) Cameron, Jennifer Marler (Colby), and Alex Nefzger; twelve great-grandchildren; sister, Patricia DeRosa; and brothers, Roger and Duane.

Gaylene was preceded in death by her parents, son, Gregory Nefzger, and brothers, Lamont, Rod, Larry, and Mike.

Memorial donations may be made to the ARC of the Quad Cities in Gaylene's memory.

A memorial service will be held at a future date with inurnment at Chippiannock Cemetery, Rock Island.

Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island is assisting Gaylene's family with arrangements and online condolences and memories may be shared at www.wheelanpressly.com.