Norbert L. Gauerke

Norbert Lee Gauerke (Norb, Nubby, Nubs), age 92 passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on September 12, 2025 surrounded by his family that loved him. He was born on May 31, 1933 in Appleton to the late Erwin and Alma (Lemke) Gauerke.

He was baptized on July 16, 1933 and confirmed on March 30, 1947 at First English Lutheran Church. He graduated from Marion High School in 1951 and from Wartburg College in 1955 with a degree in Business Education. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in February 1956 and received his basic training in San Diego. He received an award for being "Honor Man" among all recruits coming out of boot camp, including a promotion to the next rank and a dress blue uniform. He worked in the Legal Department at Camp Pendleton as a court reporter until his discharge in 1958. Norb went on a blind date in 1959 and met the love of his life, Ardis Brandenburg. They were married on June 24, 1961 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Pella, WI by his cousin, Pastor Eugene Gauerke.

Norb was very active in sports, especially in baseball in high school, college, church and Marion City Team where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in later years. He loved watching the Brewers, Packers and Badgers. Norb and his family joined Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in 1971. He held many positions in the church.

Norb started his insurance career in 1960 with General Casualty Company of Wisconsin working out of their Wausau office. In 1969, the family moved to Appleton where Norb worked at Milwaukee Insurance until his retirement in 1995. He couldn't sit still, so he worked at Thompson Community Center as their accountant for 10 years. He volunteered at Bethesda Thrift Store/Ablelight for over 12 years.

In 2001 Norb & Ardis went to Alamo, TX at the invitation of friends, and spent the winter months at Alamo Rec Veh Park for 18 years. Norb spent 7 years as the park's treasurer of the Activity Club and several years as a member of the park's church board. Norb loved to play cards, going to polka dances, camping, yard work and gardening, traveling, ice cream and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years Ardis and 2 daughters: Deb (Jeff) Heffernon of Shawano; Deanne Gauerke of Sun Prairie; 2 grandchildren: Holly (Sam) Steckbauer of Merrill; Scott (Lindsey) Heffernon of Rhinelander; 4 great grandchildren: Dawson, Harlee, Hank and Howie; and one brother, Larry Gauerke.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Erwin and Alma Gauerke; sister Ruth Rucks; and brother Edward Gauerke.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church, 1615 Meadowview Dr., Greenville at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Steve Kline officiating. Visitation for family and friends will begin at the church starting at 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. For online condolences, please visit www.valleyfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church in memory of Norb.

The family would like to thank Aspire Senior Living and Bristol Hospice for their care provided to Norb.