John "Jack" H. Gauger

John “Jack” Gauger Jr., 88, Rothschild, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at Care Partners in Weston.

He was born October 16, 1930 in Wausau, son of the late John Sr. and Erna (Wendorf) Gauger.  On May 22, 1954, he married Patricia “Pat” Novitzke at Grace United Church of Christ, Wausau.  Every day at lunch, he and Pat, known as the “Cribbage Queen”, loved to play three hands of cribbage, best out of three.

He was a veteran of the United States Army and served in Germany from 1951 until 1953 as a Staff Sgt. in the 317th Signal Corp.  He began his working career at Drott Manufacturing in Schofield as a truck driver and advanced into management, working in the hydraulic tube, bending department.  He co-founded J & D Tube Benders in Schofield in 1968 with Dane Felch, and together they ran the company for many years until his retirement in 1992.

He was a member and past commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Burns Post No 388, Wausau, member of the former Moose Lodge in Schofield and longtime member of Grace United Church of Christ, Wausau.  Jack collected hats and porcelain eagles and loved to go elk hunting, getting a 5X5, 6X6 and 6X7 bull elk with his hunting buddy, Ken Kosky.  He was also a great whitetail and small game hunter, amassing many trophy bucks, while hunting with family and friends.  He loved spending his time at the cabin in the summer, where he enjoyed fishing and hosting many friends and family get togethers.  Among some of his other favorite pastimes, Jack bowled for many years at Coral Lanes and enjoyed shooting pool, snowmobiling, destination ice-fishing and catching bucket loads of perch with Bill McCory, motorcycle rides and boating.  In recent years, Jack enjoyed woodworking and going for long walks.

Survivors include, his wife, Pat, three children, Tom (Debbie Weichert) Gauger, Kronenwetter, Julie (Mike) Gauger-Burns, Rothschild and Laura (Dennis) Gauger-Kummerow, Stettin; nine grandchildren, Darren Gauger, Thomas Gauger II, Jolene Fedor, Casey Fedor, Elliot (Teresa) Fedor, Robert Fedor, Jacqulyn Gauger, Brian Bonkoski and Rebecca Bonkoski; ten great-grandchildren; special friends, Corie and Bob Kettner and Jean Gritzmacher; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Joey; his grandson, John Bonkoski; two brothers, George and Bud; and his nephew, David Wahoske.

Funeral services will be at Noon on Friday, December 14, 2018 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, with full military honors to follow services.  Rev. Julie Goranson will officiate.  Visitation will be on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.  Burial will be on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com