OBIT: Gretchen Ann Eddy

November 24, 1939 – September 14, 2025

Forest City-Gretchen Ann Eddy, 85, passed away Sunday, September 14, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Society in Forest City, Iowa.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave North, Clear Lake, Iowa, with Jeff Gremmer leading the service. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, with a reception to follow. Inurnment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, Iowa at a later date. Memorials may be directed in care of the family.

Gretchen was born November 24, 1939, in Morris, Minnesota, the daughter of Raymond John and Cornelia (Brink) Mugge. She graduated from Mason City High School and continued her education at a private women’s college in Mississippi. She was married to Michael Lyons on June 27, 1959; they were blessed with one son, Roger Lyons. On June 20, 1976, she was united in marriage to Douglas Eddy in Marshalltown, Iowa, and together they made their home in Forest City.

Gretchen had a natural talent for decorating, creating window displays for many North Iowa businesses. She was especially proud of her grandson, Jason, and rarely missed his school or sporting events. She found joy in tending her flower gardens, playing cards, entertaining friends, and hosting dinner parties. Gretchen loved gathering with her FIN Club friends for pool parties, as well as baking, cooking, birdwatching, and caring for her beloved dogs.

A two-time breast cancer survivor, Gretchen faced life with strength and resilience. Later diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, she met its challenges with courage.

Gretchen “Gigi” is survived by her son, Roger Lyons (Lisa Brighton); grandson, Jason Lyons (Katrina Henning); great-granddaughter, Scarlett Jo Lyons; nieces and nephews, Michael (Lori) Bisbee, Raymond (Julie) Bisbee, Beth (Bob) Drew, Gretchen (Rob) Tepley; bonus family members, Derek Brighton (Meredith Hild), Lindsay (Kyle) Tulp, Jacob Schmidt (Kiya Meinecke), Makenzie Schmidt; along with other relatives and friends.

Gretchen is preceded in death by her parents, husband Doug Eddy and her sister, Harriet Bisbee and brother-in-law, Gene Bisbee.

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