John Gauer

John Gauer Jr. age 78 of Massillon, Ohio, left this planet peacefully to begin a new adventure, on 12,13, 2024.
He was the son of John Gauer Sr. and Violet ( Dyer ) Gauer.
John was born and raised in Canton, Ohio. He graduated from Canton McKinley Highschool where he was a member of the swim team. John was also a talented artist, singer and baseball player. He was a student during the era of Motown, peg leg pants always worn with a belt, dress shirts, pointy toed shoes (points) with cleats, cleanly shaven with neatly cut and combed hair. Yes, he was a child of the 60s and soon after graduation the music changed to rock after the Beetle's burst on the scene with their long hair that made parents gasp in horror! Pants changed to bell bottom jeans, shirts became tie dyed and shoes if worn at all were Earth shoes, sandals or boots and facial hair was all the rage! Let's not forget the funny cigarettes. The Hippies were here!
Unfortunately so was a war called Viet Nam and John along with countless numbers of others were called to fight in a country they had probably never heard of. He joined the Airforce for four years, served on the police force and spent a year with the rank of Seargent in Viet Nam where he was decorated for his service. He spent his last year of service in Dayton, Ohio. After being honorably discharged from the Airforce and returning home for a few years, John decided to move to the Denver area of Colorado. He lived there for 35 years, moved back to Ohio after retirement, and was with us for 14 years
He worked for Graphic Enterprises out of Canton, Ohio as a sales and delivery rep for many years until computers replaced copiers and other office equipment, but he stayed in sales until he retired. He loved riding his Harley in the mountains, fishing in the rivers, flying huge kites, golfing and playing softball. He was a great host when he had visitors and enjoyed taking us above the tree line on switchback roads in a jeep with the top down, doors removed and yes, it was terrifying!
John was preceded in death by his father John in 1971, mother Violet in 2015, stepfather of 40 years, Louis Kolich, in 2016 and brother -in- law, Alan Rabinowitz in 2017. He is survived by one sister, Marilyn (Gauer) Rabinowitz, nephew, Casey Chambers who provided care for his uncle every day and was his advocate with both Hospice and the Veteran's Administration, nephew Joseph ( Mindi ) Chambers, Niece, Brooke Chambers Ohler, who also helped with some of John's needs, Great- nephew, Matthew Chambers and Great-niece, Olivia Ohler.
Casual visitation will take place at Schneeberger Funeral Home in Canton, Ohio on Saturday, January 4th from 11:00 a.m. until 12;00 p.m. at which time representatives from the Air Force Honor Guard will perform the flag ceremony and the Minerva, Ohio VFW, Post 4120, Honor Guard will provide a 21 gun salute.
John, I hope you are carried here on eagle's wings to experience these honors. May God be with you til we meet again and tell everyone who is experiencing this journey that we miss them, will never forget them and are looking forward to a big family reunion in the sky some fine day!
Cremains will be interred on a later date at Western Reserve National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to plant trees in areas of environmental need or to any organization of your choice in John's name will be humbly appreciated.