Robert Gauerke Obituary

Robert C. "Bob" Gauerke, age 79, Marshfield, lost his battle with bladder cancer due to Agent Orange from the Vietnam War, on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at House of the Dove, Marshfield.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Rembs Funeral Home, Marshfield, where a gathering for family and friends will be from 9:00 am until service time. Deacon Ray Draeger will officiate. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Marshfield, at a later date. Military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post 54 and the State of Wisconsin Honor Guard following the service. A Knights of Columbus rosary service will be held at 9:00 am on Friday at the funeral home and the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Assembly will form a guard of honor during the visitation.
Bob was born on September 9, 1945, in Athens, Wisconsin, to Lester and Virginia (Metz) Gauerke. He attended Athens Elementary School and was a 1963 graduate of Athens High School. He was drafted into the United States Army on November 9, 1965, and served in Vietnam from 1966 until his honorable discharge on August 16, 1967. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for wounds received. He married JoAnn C. Dassow on October 5, 1968, at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Milan, Wisconsin.
Bob was employed as a Customer Zone Technician at GTE/Verizon Telephone Company for 41.5 years until his retirement in 2009. He was a long-time active member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Marshfield, an active member of the Knights of Columbus John Eisen Council #1799, the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Assembly #1299, and the American Legion for 56 years. Bob attended the Never Forgotten Honor Flight in 2017.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, JoAnn, and their children, Alan R. (Kati Schirmer) Gauerke of Wisconsin Rapids, and Tracy J. (Chris) Miller of Pittsville. He is also survived by granddaughters, Devin and Reese Miller, and Kati's daughters, Zoe, Lyn, and Ava Sepersky. He is further survived by siblings, Bernie Gauerke, Jim (Ruth) Gauerke, Betsy (Tom) Weiler, Judy (Wayne) Akey, Susie Kummer, Donna Bartz, Dale (Debbie) Gauerke, Mike (Debbie) Gauerke, Tom Gauerke, and Debbie Auner, and sisters-in-law, Karen, Dawn, and Grace Gauerke.
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Bill, Dennis, Diane, John, Dick, and Kenny, a sister-in-law, Ginny Gauerke, father-in-law, Lester Dassow, Sr., and brothers-in-law, Lester "Bud" Dassow, Jr., Dave Kummer, Randy Auner, and Jim Bartz.
Bob leaves a legacy of proud patriotism, hard work, and deep love for his family and God. He will be greatly missed.
The family wants to thank House of the Dove staff, Marshfield Clinic oncologist, Dr. Leon and oncology staff for their very compassionate care of Bob through his cancer journey.