Gretchen Louise (Brase) Dunlap, 64, passed away on November 22, 2021, after a rapid 5-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Gretchen passed away in the late evening at home in the company of her loving husband Lj Dunlap.
Gretchen was born in Fresno, CA, on March 16, 1957, to Benjamin and Margaret Brase. She is survived by her husband Lj Dunlap; son Bryce Colan and his wife Dena; stepsons Matthew Dunlap and his wife Marissa, and Jason Dunlap and his wife Michele; ten beautiful grandchildren; older brothers, Ben Brase, David Brase, his wife Elizabeth, Chris Brase, his wife Cathy; niece Elise Brase; nephews Benjamin Brase, Chris Tidwell, Matthew, Evan, Keith and Kevin Brase, their significate others and children.
Throughout the years Gretchen worked as a chef for several restaurants. She was passionate about cooking and shared that joy with many of her grandchildren. She was a frequent traveler, taking any opportunity to get away and see the world. She appreciated nature and all it offered. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and community member.
Gretchen lived a beautiful life and was loved tremendously by many. Her contagious laugh, spirited personality, compassion, and generosity will be heard and remembered in the hearts of many forever.
A celebration of life service will be held at Yosemite Lakes Community Church on January 15, 2022, at 11 a.m.