Obituary: Dorothy R. Gaukel - Class of 1931

MADISON - Dorothy R. Gaukel, age 95, passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 3, 2008, at Sunny Hill Health Care Center. Dorothy was born on Aug. 6, 1913, in Madison, the daughter of Martin F. and Regina M. (Pulvermacher) Gaukel. She attended Holy Redeemer grade school and graduated from Central High School. Following high school, Dorothy went on to work for the federal government, where she held several different positions, including working as a secretary to the commanding general at Truax Field during World War II. After retiring from the federal government Dorothy was employed as a secretary by the University of Wisconsin, College of Engineering. She was a life long member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Dorothy is survived by her brother, William Gaukel; sister; Anita Gaukel; nieces and nephews, Karen (Bob) Harms, John (Karie) Davenport, Diane (Kelly) Baryenbruch and Sandra (Tom) Mork, six great-nieces and nephews, Kristi and Kelly Harms, Michael, Daniel and Lindsay Davenport and Jordan Mork; and many other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Robert Gaukel; and sister; Marian Davenport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Nov. 7, 2008, 11 a.m. at HOLY REDEEMER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 120 W. Johnson St., Madison. Monsignor Kevin Holmes will officiate the Mass. A visitation will be held on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison and also at the CHURCH on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will follow the Mass at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice. Dorothy will be dearly missed as she was a very caring and warm person who enjoyed spending time with her friends, family and especially her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 6, 2008

Note: Dorothy Gaukel's class year is based on information in a June 5, 1931 article in the Wisconsin State Journal, where she is listed among the Madison Central High School seniors who will receive their degrees on Friday, June 12, 1931.