Eugene L. Gauger

Eugene L. Gauger, 76, Algoma, passed away April 28, 2022, after a long courageous battle with gallbladder/liver cancer with his loving wife of 41 years and son Justin by his side. Eugene was born in Sturgeon Bay, WI at Door County Memorial Hospital on July 13, 1945, at 3:45pm to Frank W. Gauger and Agnus W (Johnson) Gauger. He was raised on the family farm with his brother Roy Gauger and sisters Marcella Desotelle and Violet Skippon in Fish Creek, WI. He was the baby of the family. He attended Maple Grove Grade School and Gibraltar High School. After school, he worked at Lawncare in Door County, Mirro Aluminum in Manitowoc assembling Mirrocraft boats and Milwaukee Shoe Co in Sturgeon Bay, WI until it closed in 1980, and then PBI for 13 years as a outside machinist.

In 1978, Eugene met his future wife, Marilyn J. Gauger, through mutual friends, Raymond and Margaret Badovski. On September 13, 1980, they were united in marriage at Holy Name of Mary Parish in Maplewood. During their marriage they raised their son Justin, and from Eugene’s previous marriage, Tim and Teresa Gauger. They created many fond memories together and tried to instill their values and beliefs on to their children. Eugene was always there to help his wife with her upholstery business and later on they started crafting together making bird houses, feeders, and butterfly houses. Eugene was a very talented carpenter and artist, and this showed in their work. Eugene and Marilyn were definitely a team. During the years they met lots of people and one special family “adopted” them as Grandpa (big bear) and Grandmama. The Kalz: Greg, Linda, with Andy, Alex, and Emily.
Eugene was also a lover of the outdoors. He truly loved songbirds and could be found feeding the birds often with his many bird feeders. He enjoyed camping all summer with family and friends, hunting (especially squirrels), coon hunting with his brother Roy, and deer hunting with his best friend and hunting buddy, his son Justin. Eugene was not happy that he missed his 60th year in pursuit of the bigger one.

In 2018 his new pride and joy arrived, a baby girl and granddaughter Kailey Lyn Gauger, whom he loved and adored. So much love she had for her papa too.

Eugene is survived by his loving wife and best friend Marilyn (Kostichka) Gauger of 41 years. Son Justin (Kelly) Gauger, granddaughter Kailey Lyn, son Tim Gauger, daughter Teresa Gauger, grandson Tyler Gauger, and four-legged friend Ben. Brothers and sisters Roy (Judith) Gauger, Marcella Desotelle and Violet Skippon. Godchild Peggy Matzke, special niece Diane Desotelle. Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Dennis (Carol) Kostichka, Cindy (Larry) Jacobs, Chuck (Margaret) Kostichka, many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by our triplet infants, Heidi Lyn, Ciley Sue, and Kevin Charles. His parents, Frank W. and Agnes W. (Johnson) Gauger. Marilyn’s mom and dad Charles W. and Helen A. (Blaha) Kostichka. Brother and sister-in-laws Gay Desotelle, Kenneth Skippon, John Kostichka (Rita Havel), Doug (Mary) Kostichka, special nephew Sam Skippon. Furry friends Skipper, Boots, Sport, and his partner in crime Jack Daniels (JD).

We are thankful for all the angels at Aurora Hospital and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center. Our Cancer doctor, Dr. Patel, and all his associates and nurses for their compassion and words of encouragement. In addition, we’d like to thank all the hospice nurses for their kindness. There was no cure for the cancer my love had. Thank you, Hon, for trusting me and Justin to care for you in our home. Love, hugs and kisses until we are together again.

Visitation will be held at Kinnard Funeral Home, 1617 Flora Ave, Algoma, on Friday, May 6, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. -7:00 pm. Funeral service will be held at 7:00 pm at the funeral home with Pastor Don Heeringa officiating. Online condolence messages may be shared at www.KinnardFCS.com.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be set up in Eugene’s name.