Gauger, Robert J.Robert J. Gauger, age 86, died Friday, October 19, 2012 peacefully at his residence with his loving family at his side. Robert was born on June 22, 1926, in the town of Maribel, son to the late Walter and Beata (Kasten) Gauger. He married the former Viola Schultz on September 4, 1949 at Rockwood Evangelical Lutheran Church. She preceded him in death on June 22, 2010. Robert farmed the 3rd generation homestead in rural Maribel until 1973. He then was employed at the Manitowoc Health Care Center, and later as a sales representative for the Lakeshore Chronicle/Denmark Press until his retirement in 1988. He was an active member of the Lake to Lake Dairy Cooperative, Manitowoc Co. Farm Bureau, D.H.I.A. He served as treasurer while a member of St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, Maribel, as well as singing with the church choir. Music had a special place in Bob's heart, and he enjoyed playing the accordian, harmonica, and trumpet, all self-taught! Robert's other hobbies included bowling and playing sheepshead with family and friends.Robert is survived by three daughters: Debra (Timothy) Strickler, Nampa, ID; Lynn (Richard) Dvorak, rural Whitelaw; Roberta (Randy) Brice, rural Manitowoc; two brothers-in-law, Tony Schultz, Manitowoc and Wallace Mercer, Three Lakes; eleven grandchildren: Adam (Iris) Strickler; Rebecca Strickler; Johanna (Josh) Lowry; Amber Strickler,; Lacey Strickler; Angela Dvorak; Katrina Dvorak; Zachary (Susan) Dvorak; Joseph Dvorak; Callie Brice and Riley Brice; and three great-grandchildren: Emma Dvorak, Ilia Strickler, and Lucas Lowry. Many cousins, nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents: Walter and Beata Gauger; his wife: Viola Gauger and one infant daughter: Jane; and two sisters-in-law: Corrine Schultz and Ruth Ann Mercer.Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday October 27, 2012 at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 916 Pine Street, Manitowoc. The Rev. Paul Schossow and Rev. Nicholas Maglietto will officiate with burial to follow at St. John's Cemetery, Maribel. Relatives and friends may call at church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. The Reinbold & Pfeffer Family Funeral Home of Manitowoc is serving the Gauger family. Memorials may be made to the , Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, or Manitowoc Lutheran High School. Online condolences may be expressed at www.jensreinboldandpfeffer.com The family wishes to include a heartfelt thank you to Robert's caregivers; Barbara McCredie, Karen Cole and Kathy Kappelman, for helping us take care of our dad for these past years. Dad's wish was to remain in his home and without your amazing care, compassion and dedication, it would not have been possible.