Vernon Gauger

Vernon (Vern) Gauger, at 90 departed this earthly world for his glorious heavenly home on August 6th 2018. Vern was a lifelong resident of Oshkosh, WI since his birth on October 11, 1927, actively and selflessly serving his church and community.
After his Baptism, Confirmation, and early education at Trinity Lutheran Church/School, he graduated from Oshkosh High in 1945. He served his country in the Army and returned to Oshkosh where he graduated from the Oshkosh Business College, and devoted his career to Castle-Pierce Printing until his retirement 37 years later. Vern was an intelligent, humble man offering his talents, treasures and many hours to those in need. Vern was never known to say “No” so it was only fitting that he would be recognized and honored with numerous awards, such as the 1965 Oshkosh Jaycees Outstanding Citizen of the Year, the 1995 Oshkosh Committee on Aging Life Service Award and recipient of 2 Big Brothers/Big Sisters “Dutch Uncle” awards. Vern was elected President of the Lakeshore Kiwanis Club, the Oshkosh Symphony, the Oshkosh Tuberculosis and Health Association, Trinity Lutheran Church, and the district Walther League. He also held various titles and board positions with the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, the YMCA, the United Fund, the Lutheran Layman’s League, Bethel Homes, and Mercy Hospital fund drive. Vern always fit humor into his conversations and has a story or joke that would brighten any day.
For more than 40 years, Vern, along with Marie Hoyer by his side taught Sunday school to many young adults/adults with special needs. The annual Christmas program where they could witness, sing and share God’s message was always an exciting highlight for all involved. Vern formed the Vern Gauger Scholarship Fund, providing tuition assistance for students attending Trinity Evangelical Lutheran School, along with missionaries and young men entering the Lutheran ministry. Vern also had three Little Brothers with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization.
Vern enjoyed time fishing and enjoying nature at his cottage on Big Hills Lake, which was his retreat that he shared with many others making happy memories.
Vern is survived by his brother: Gustave (Beverly), Lansing, IL, nieces Wanda Gauger, Jennifer (Gauger) Hahnemann, Kimberly (Gauger) Pietrucha, grand-niece, Alicia Hahnemann, and nephews Mark Gauger, Rick Gauger, and Keith Gauger. He is preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Caroline (Jungwirth) Gauger, two brothers, Raymond Gauger and Roger Gauger, and sister, Germaine (Gauger) Falkner, niece, Cheryl Ann Gauger, and his special lady and love of more than 50 years, Marie Hoyer.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 9, 2018, from 4 - 8:00 p.m. at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home - Westside, 100 Lake Pointe Drive and again on Friday August 10 from 5:00 pm to the service time at Trinity Lutheran Church, 370 Bowen Street, Oshkosh, WI which will begin at 7:00 p.m. Entombment will be held at Lakeview Memorial Park Mausoleum, 2786 Algoma Blvd., Oshkosh, WI on Saturday August 11 at 10:00 a.m.
Memorials can be directed to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Vern Gauger Scholarship Fund, Lutheran Hour Ministries or Bethel Foundation