Brian Richard Gauger

In the quiet of the early morning hours of November 30, 2024, Brian Richard Gauger, age 63, of Woodruff, peacefully received his Angel’s wings and was born to Eternal Life after a hard-fought, courageous battle with cancer. His fighting spirit and ‘Not give up’ attitude has been an inspiration to all those who loved him.

Brian was born in Milwaukee, the third of four children to Donald and Shirley Gauger. The family resided in Grafton. While living in Grafton, at a young age, he displayed a keen interest in the outdoors. With his brothers or by himself he would explore the fields and ponds near the home. He would catch animals and insects of all kinds and bring them home, at times to the dismay of his mom. Frogs and snakes were routine escapees. He had a large insect collection with butterflies, moths and beetles.

He attended St. Paul Lutheran Elementary school and was good at any sport he tried, but excelled at basketball, despite being a bit shorter than average. The team won numerous tournament trophies. He was also an excellent swimmer and has the medals to prove it. In 1975, the family moved to Minocqua and Brian attended Lakeland Union High School, graduating in 1979.

After graduating Brian went into the tree service and timber industries where he would work for the rest of his life. Either with Petersen Tree Service in Minocqua, or Joe Francois at both the Hwy. 47 mill then at Snow Ridge Lumber in Hurley. Brian was a loyal and dedicated employee. Brian bought a portable sawmill and in his spare time would travel around the Northwoods to cut lumber for anyone who asked. Along with his brother Wade, they would make custom flooring, paneling and bar tops in their shop in Oma. Never one to sit idle, Brian was always doing something.

A fisherman, hunter, trapper and all-around outdoorsman, he spent a lot of time in the woods, no matter what the temperature was. He took great pride in teaching and sharing his skills and tricks with his nephews.

He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew and friend. He is survived by his father, Don Gauger of Woodruff, his brothers Wade Gauger and Carl (Meg) Gauger, sister Anne (Steve) Gresh, nephews, Grant Hunter, Ben (Emily) Gauger, Shane (Becky) Gauger, nieces Brittany Gauger and Michelle Gauger-always ‘Best Friends Forever.’ Also survived by great nephews Mason, River, Colton, and Nico and great nieces Lilly, Lacey and Vivian. He also leaves behind many cousins and countless friends who miss him dearly, especially the “6am Old Man’s Coffee Group” at Our Place. Preceded in death by his beloved mom, Shirley, with whom he has been joyously reunited.

Special thanks to his sister, Anne, for her dogged determination and tenaciousness in researching and finding the best cancer treatment for Brian and opening her home to him while he underwent extended treatments, and to Dr. Colin Mooney and Froedtert Cancer Care of West Bend for the care provided, extending the quality and quantity of life that Brian was originally given, and to Bolger Funeral Home for their personal and compassionate care and assistance.

The body Brian used here on earth served its purpose in unconditional love of family and friends. Always a jokester and a hard worker, in his journey through life, he touched many along the way. His laughter at a good joke often brought tears to your eyes because you were laughing along with him and everyone else, even when the joke was on you. His gentle soul is where it belongs now, up in Heaven with those who have passed before him. His spirit will be wherever we are, in a scent, a place, a sound, a memory. And as we reflect, let us all remember, that even though his body is used up, as long as we keep him alive in our hearts, our minds, our thoughts and our prayers, he’ll be there. We may not know it or see it. It could be in a breeze, a child’s laughter, the rustling or crunch of leaves or someplace you go or something you used to do together, he’ll be there. Brian, you are home now and free. God has blessed our lives with knowing you and having you in our lives, if only for a little while. You will forever be missed.

Memorial Service, Celebration of Life and Interment to be held at a later date. Bunny hugs for everyone! Best Friends Forever. 

Bolger Cremation & Funeral Services is assisting the family, www.bolgerfuneral.com to share condolences.