Obituary: William F. "Bill" Gaukel

MADISON - William F. "Bill" Gaukel, age 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 6, 2009, with his family by his side. Bill was born on Aug. 31, 1917, in Madison, the son of Martin F. and Regina M. (Pulvermacher) Gaukel. He attended and graduated from Central High School. Bill worked for Bennett Drapery for many years. He then became the service manager of Goben Car Dealership and worked there until his retirement in 1983. He was a life long member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Bill was both a talented artist and handyman. Bill is survived by his sister, Anita Gaukel; nieces and nephews, Karen (Bob) Harms, John (Karie) Davenport, Diane (Kelly) Baryenbruch and Sandra (Tom) Mork; seven great-nieces and nephews, Kristi and Kelly Harms, Michael, Daniel, Lindsay and Sierra Davenport and Jordan Mork and many other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Gaukel; and two sisters, Marian Davenport and Dorothy Gaukel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, at HOLY REDEEMER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 120 W. Johnson Street, Madison. Msgr. Kevin Holmes will officiate the Mass. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison and also at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will follow the Mass at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery Chapel in Madison. Bill will be dearly missed as he was a very caring and warm person who enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and especially his 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 February 9, 2009