Duane Gauger Death, Obituary – Duane “Wayne Sr.” F. Gauger, 74, of Rothschild, formerly of Clintonville, died on January 8, 2023, at Edgewater Haven in Port Edwards. Floyd and Dora (Krueger) Gauger gave birth to Duane Floyd Gauger on February 19, 1948, in Wausau, Wisconsin. He graduated from Wausau High School in 1967 and joined the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Duane served in the Army for four years before being honorably discharged, and he was always very proud and protective of the American flag.
On March 13, 1981, in Waupaca, Wisconsin, he married Pat Wanta. Prior to their divorce, the couple lived in Clintonville and raised their son Wayne Jr. Duane worked for Everson’s IGA in Clintonville for over 12 years before moving on to Vlasic Pickles in Bonduel for another ten years. Duane also volunteered at Graceland Cemetery in Clintonville. He was a D.A.V. Chapter 53 and Wausau Man of Honor Society member for life. Duane would literally be on the edge of his seat while watching Dale Earnhardt, Sr. race in Nascar.
He loved spoiling his animals, whether steers or dogs, and was always sneaking treats to them. Duane also enjoyed model car building, die casting cars, going to a good demo derby, playing bar bingo, driving his Monte Carlo to the limit, and watching his son “Choo Choo” race. He had a big personality and was able to make friends wherever he went. His children, Wayne Gauger Jr. and Tonya (James) Searles, are among the survivors. Timothy Zilch and Marty Kositzke are adopted sons.
Benjamin Welch and Zachary Searles are the grandchildren. Peggy Pepin and Hilda “Tina” Tesch are sisters. Don (Mary) Krueger is a unique cousin. Buick and Junior are also fantastic dogs. Floyd Gauger, son-in-law Ron Welch, in-laws Bill and Irene Wanta, brothers-in-law Aaron Pepin and Billy Wanta, sister-in-law Renee Meyer, and his dog Buddy preceded him in death. Duane’s Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 20, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, with military honors conducted at 4 p.m. by members of Clintonville’s D.A.V.
Chapter 53, American Legion Post #63, VFW Post #664, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit #63. A second Celebration will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Richard’s Restaurant and Bar, 5305 N. 32nd Ave, Wausau. The urn will be interred in King, Wisconsin, at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.