Virginia "Ginny" S. Gauerke

Virginia “Ginny” Gauerke passed away peacefully on Monday, April 14, 2025 in Wausau, Wisconsin.  She was born in Wausau on November 30, 1945 and grew up in Athens. Ginny was a longtime resident of Weston following her marriage to Bernard “Bernie” Gauerke on August 7, 1965.

Ginny worked at Wausau Mobile Catering and for the DC Everest School District in their School Forest Kitchen.  She leaves a legacy of caring for others, not only in her work but with her service as a foster parent, a volunteer for hospice, a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts, and an active member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church.

Ginny had a remarkable spirit and was the ultimate fighter, having overcome several health issues beginning with a cancer diagnosis that reached Stage four in 1991.  Seven years later, she survived a second stage four cancer.  In recent years, she managed Congestive Heart Failure, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Diabetes with admirable success.  In the end, she succumbed to symptoms related to advanced Parkinson’s Disease.

Ginny is preceded in death by her parents, Kasper and Leah Knab; and her sisters, Debra and Janice.  She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Bernard “Bernie” Gauerke of Weston; son, Mark (Bonnie) Gauerke of Weston; daughter, Kristine (John) Grigas of Madison; son, Todd (Lisa) Gauerke of Marshfield; brothers, Kasper (Becky) Knab, Jr. of Athens, Michael (Patti) Knab of Merrill, and Steven (Corinne) Knab of Manitowoc.  Ginny treasured her seven grandchildren, Rebekah, Andrew, Rachel, Raymond, Katelyn, Leah, and Daniel; and her four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will take place at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 6205 Alderson Street, Weston, Wisconsin on Monday, April 21, 2025 with visitation from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and a service at 11 a.m.  Lunch will follow the service.  Entombment will be in the columbarium at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

We are comforted to know that her absence from the body means she is present with the Lord, and her suffering and pain is no more.