Robert L. Gudgel

GUDGEL,
Robert L.
1/19/1920 - 4/13/2011

Bob is survived by his three children, Bob Jr., Rod (Six), and Becky Bainter, nine grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Doris "Dodie". He was born in Farragut, Iowa and lived his early years in Boone, Iowa, where he excelled as a cabinet maker. He met Doris Redfield while in Boone, and they were married in Louisiana before he shipped off to training in the Air Corps. He served in WWII as a navigator on a B-17. The "Blind Date" was shot down over Bremen, Germany, and Bob was the sole survivor. Suffering an amputated leg and vision impairments, he spent several months as an MIA/POW and was awarded a Purple Heart and other medals of distinction. While a prisoner of war, he received word that Robert Jr. was born. Following his brother Ken to the State of Washington, he graduated from WSU and taught school for many years in Odessa. He enjoyed hunting and fishing in that area and was very active in the Lions Club. He lived more recently in Phoenix, AZ., under his daughter's care, until his passing.

GUDGEL, Doris J.
4/25/1921 - 1/16/1993

Wife of Robert L. Gudgel and mother to Bob Jr., Rod, and Becky Bainter, nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Born in Newton, Iowa; she went to Beauty School in Boone and started her career as a hairdresser. She met Robert and they were married soon after, before he shipped overseas. Later, they moved west to Pullman, and then to Odessa, WA, where she worked as a receptionist/nurse, and was busy with women's clubs there. In 1967, they moved to Spokane, where, 10 years later she was diagnosed with Alzheimers. She was always surrounded by family and friends and passed away in January of 1993.