Gwynn Dwayne Boat was born on November 20, 1958, in Pella, Iowa, to Marion J. and Marie L. (Van Vark) Boat.

Gwynn graduated from Pella High School with the class of 1977. He also attended DMACC for Electronics. Gwen worked for Mobile Electronics and was the owner of Pella Taxi.

Gwynn took great joy in helping people. He was a consummate tinkerer. He grew his own vegetables, loved spending time  on his riding lawnmower, and cooking for friends, especially stir-fry and his infamous Dutch Mess.

Gwynn is survived by his children and their families: son Cody and Cheri Boat of Portland, Oregon; son Chris and Teresa Boat of Ankeny, Iowa; and daughter Jackie and Jack Boat-Wilson of Des Moines, Iowa. Gwynn is also survived by his brother Leon and Carla Boat of Pella, Iowa, and many extended family members.

Gwynn was preceded in death by his parents Marion and Marie Boat.