Gwen (Burdick) Tabaka, age 63, of Eau Claire, WI, passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on September 19, 2012. She was born in Rockford, Illinois, on October 15, 1948, to George F. and Gladys (Roen) Burdick-Ellison. Her childhood years were spent in Rice Lake, Barron, and Cameron, Wisconsin, where she graduated from Cameron High School in May, 1966. She married John D. Michna on November 16, 1968. They had one son, Jeffrey Michna. In July 1981, she married Jerry Tabaka. They have two children, Ryan Tabaka and Laura (Tabaka) Hawkins. Gwen graduated from the Sacred Heart Hospital School of X-Ray Technology in 1970, and went on to work as a Radiological Technologist at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire from 1970, until December of 2010. Many were touched by her gentle hands and kind words while she provided care to others at Sacred Heart. She built friendships there that lasted her lifetime. Gwen was an exceptional photographer and shared her photos with family and friends. She also enjoyed collecting country collectibles, all of which were beautifully displayed in her home. She loved her role as a grandma to her two grandsons, Jadon and Elijah. Her faith in God was clearly seen as she battled cancer with strength and peace. She passed her faith onto her children and grandchildren. She taught her children to love unconditionally and serve others in need; which she modeled at home. She and her family attended West Ridge Church in Eau Claire. Gwen is survived by her husband, Jerry; children, Jeff (Mizpah) Michna and their son, Jadon, Ryan (Stephanie) Tabaka, and Laura (Brandon) Hawkins and their son, Elijah; mother, Gladys Burdick-Ellison; brothers, Greg (Kathy), Gaylord (Peggy) and Grant (Sandy); and sister, Ginger. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Daniel Burns, the staff at the Albert J. and Judith A. Dunlap Cancer Center, and Mayo Home Health and Hospice for their caring concern and support for Gwen as she battled cancer. Gwen loved Culver's frozen custard-chocolate and vanilla. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 28, 2012, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave., Eau Claire. Memorial Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 29, 2012, at West Ridge Church, 3906 Kane Road, Eau Claire, with Pastor Paul Smith and Steve Brandt officiating. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Eau Claire.

Service Information

Cemetery

Lakeview Cemetery 1500 Buffington Drive Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Friday, September 28 2012 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services 814 First Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Saturday, September 29 2012 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

West Ridge Church 3906 Kane Road Eau Claire WI 54703

Memorial Service

Saturday, September 29 2012 11:00 AM

West Ridge Church 3906 Kane Road Eau Claire WI 54703