Earl Ray Gautsche

Earl Ray Gautsche: August 27, 1927-November 2, 2025
Over his 98 years of life, Earl Gautsche combined his love of cars with a love of adventure, traveling far and wide with the same joy and curiosity he brought to his long career in the automotive industry.
Born in Langdon, North Dakota, to Edna Mae McLaughlin (née Bell) and Merl Ray Gautsche, Earl's family soon headed west to Anaheim, California. It was there, at Gautsche's Service Station, that Earl, under the mentorship of his father, learned to repair, rebuild, and replace engines.
His Southern California adolescence was filled with hard work, cars, motorcycles, and going fast. Each day after school, you would find him at the station, disassembling and assembling engines, learning what worked and what did not-knowledge that would prove invaluable throughout his career. Later, as a competitive motorcycle racer, he spent hours modifying his 1938 Indian Sport Scout motorcycle, which was his pride and joy, and captured in many images.
In 1944, with his older brother Don already a pilot in the Air Force, Earl was determined to enlist as soon as possible. In his senior year, he was given permission to graduate early from Anaheim Union High School in order to join the naval forces. There, Earl became a head machinist in World War II, serving aboard the USS San Marcos (LSD-25) in the Asiatic-Pacific. For his service, he received the World War II Victory Medal.
He returned home to work as a mechanic and gained further education in business at Frank Stillwell's Studebaker dealership in Anaheim.
In 1954, Earl accepted an offer to work for Aramco in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. With his wife and young son, he left for an incredible adventure, working on the Trans-Arabian Pipeline. In that role he traveled to Egypt, Jerusalem, Jordan, and throughout the Middle East. He loved sharing stories of the cultures so beautifully rich in tradition. His time with Aramco would prove to be one of his favorite life memories.
In 1965, Earl began a decades-long career as a General Motors executive. Working in Service and Engineering Operations, he was known for his deep technical knowledge, exemplary problem-solving abilities, and integrity. His favorite Chevrolet executive was John DeLorean ("A real car guy") and his favorite career highlight was co-managing Chevrolet's national police vehicle program, where he also enjoyed the friendships of many.
He retired from GM in 2000 at the age of 73, then continued as a consultant until 2008. Still not quite ready to be done, he went to work for Roush, test driving vehicles, and later delivered cars for Wally Edgar Chevrolet in Lake Orion, Michigan. Finally, at age 86, he decided to retire.
In 1998, he married his longtime companion, Yvonne Yezbick. Earl and Yvonne shared a wonderful life together for nearly thirty years, enjoying their home on the lake and their many travel adventures throughout the world.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Edna and Merl, and his brother and best friend, Don. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Yvonne, who never left his side. His son, Nick Gautsche; his daughter, DeAnn Forbes; his grandchildren, Jaimee Gautsche Colovas, Cole Gautsche, Noa Ervin, and Gabriel Ervin; His great-grandchildren, Olivia Colovas and Lyla, Cooper, and Nicole Gautsche, and many loving nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his stepdaughters, Shari Schwarz and Brandi Booze, along with their children, Stephanie, Carissa, and Kaitlyn, and grandchildren, Quinn, Callum, and Olivia. The next generations will tell the story of going to visit Earl and Yvonne's home-giving Earl a hug-then handing over their car keys. By the end of the visit, they would leave with an oil change, a full tank of gas, or both.
Over the past year and a half, Earl's caregivers became part of the family. Daniel Nnanna, Marvix Njoku, and Kendra Cook added joy and purpose to each new day, right up until the final hours. Thanks to them, Earl left this earth having learned the game of soccer.
In addition, the family thanks Dr. Ahmed Selah, whose dedication to Earl contributed to his long and full life.
A memorial service will be planned for early 2026. Details to follow.
The family asks that contributions in Earl's name be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation, honoring veterans, first responders, and their families, (https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate), or to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Rochester, Michigan (https://stpaulsrochester.org/),