Anderson Funeral Home
Homeserving families for over 70 years
312 South Stone St.
Augusta, WI 54722
715-286-2222
Gilda Prowell
Gilda Abby Prowell, age 80, of rural Augusta, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at her home late Monday evening, May 5, 2025.
Gilda was born on February 21, 1945, the daughter of Edgar and Cora “Cody” (Hawes) Schmidt. She was raised in the town of Bridge Creek rural Augusta, attended Trouble Water Country School, and graduated from Augusta High School.
After graduation, Gilda embarked on a unique and adventurous chapter in her life by joining a traveling carnival. Her time with the carnival took her throughout the United States and even included several trips to the Bahamas. Eventually, she settled in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, where she worked in a restaurant. It was there that she met Brad Prowell.
In 1974, Gilda returned to Wisconsin to be closer to her family, and at this time Brad also decided to move to Augusta. The two were united in marriage in 1978, and to this union they were blessed with their son Jacob.
Gilda worked at Randy’s Restaurant in Eau Claire, where she took on many roles but was especially known for her work in the bakery. Later, she joined Gordy’s grocery store on Hamilton Avenue in Eau Claire, working in both the bakery and as a cashier.
A lifelong lover of horses, Gilda’s passion began in childhood and continued into adulthood. She and Brad kept horses on their property and cared for rescue horses over the years—nursing them back to health when possible, always with deep compassion.
Gilda found peace in her garden and in the quiet beauty of rural life. She loved feeding the birds and deer, watching nature from her home, and completing inscription puzzles during her quiet moments.
She will be dearly missed by Brad, her husband of 47 years; son, Jake of Augusta; sister-in-law, Lorraine Schmidt of Augusta; niece Christine (Brent) Schick of Chippewa Falls; and great-nieces Haley and Hannah. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, John (Patricia) Prowell of Texas, and their family.
Gilda was preceded in death by her parents—Edgar in 1987 and Cody in 1997—and by her brother Bill in 2006. She was also preceded by a special aunt and uncle, Walter and Olga Sprinkle.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta.
Friends may call Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to services on Tuesday. Burial will be at East Lawn Cemetery in Augusta.
Online condolences can be left at www.andersonfhaugusta.com
