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BORN
1933
DIED
2021
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Phyllis Gauger Obituary
Appleton - "As she journeyed through life, she left footprints - of kindness and love, courage and compassion, joy and faith. Now that she is gone, the trail she left behind continues to comfort and inspire us."
On the afternoon of June 7, 2021, Phyllis JoAnn Gauger passed away with "her girls" and her Heavenly Father by her side. She was 88 years old - born February 10, 1933, to the late Hazel and Phillip Casper of Appleton, Wisconsin. She was a life - long member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Appleton. Phyllis graduated from Appleton High School in 1951.
She enjoyed baking, embroidery and was an excellent seamstress, constructing many beautiful outfits for herself and for her two daughters. Music was also of interest, playing both the piano and the cornet. She was an active accompanist for choir and individual vocalists. After graduation, she worked as a secretary for Fox River Paper Corporation.
She met her future husband, Ray E. Gauger of Oshkosh at a Walther League Lutheran camp retreat. They were united in marriage May 16, 1953. They were then stationed at Westover Air Force Base, during Ray's Navy enlistment. After this, they moved back to Appleton, where Phyllis secured a position as the Office Manager and radio personality at WAPL Radio. Referred to as "Fabulous Phyl", she made frequent promotional appearances, commercials, and was featured in numerous broadcasts. She left the station in 1959 to devote time to raising a family and showering them with love and attention.
Phyllis is survived by her daughters: Wanda Gauger of Appleton and Jennifer (Gauger) Hahnemann of Appleton; cherished only grandchild Alicia (Hahnemann) Wolfert and her husband Nicholas Wolfert.
The visitation will be held on Thursday June 10, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, located at 129 South Mason Street in Appleton. The Christian Funeral Service for Phyllis will follow at 7:00 PM. Interment will take place on Friday June 11, at 12:30 PM at Appleton Highland Memorial Park. She will be laid to rest next to her loving husband and parents.
For more information or to share a memory with the family, please visit www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis Gauger
Sponsored by Wichmann Funeral Home - Downtown Appleton.
3 Entries
Judie Schiel Peterson
June 10, 2021
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
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Tammy Rader Erickson
June 9, 2021
We are sorry for your loss. Lots of memories from childhood like checking on us when either Wanda or Jenny and I would play together. How she helped in Mr. Novitski’s class as a room mother. Wanda’s Birthday party that year. Visiting with her in her home after I was out of college. She always wanted the best for her daughters and later her grand daughter. Her love for her family was easily seen.
I hope such memories of her will comfort you now and moving forward.
Leigh & Mike Kuehl-Stormer
June 9, 2021
Wanda and Jennifer
I was saddened to hear of your moms passing. But know she and your dad can dance in God's heavenly kingdom and reunite once more. I remember your mom and her sweet personality and how she and Ann Goree and my mom would get together once in a while. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you face the days ahead.
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Wichmann Funeral Home - Downtown Appleton537 North Superior Street, Appleton, WI 54911
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