Stephen K Gauger

 A Celebration of Life Memorial service to be held at 10:00 am Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Christ Church in Newkirk, Oklahoma 1001 W. Boaz with Pastor Craig Ortwein officiating. Arrangements under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home and Crematory.

Stephen (Steve) Kent Gauger of Ponca City, Oklahoma passed peacefully Wednesday January 1st,2025. Beloved Husband, Father, Brother, Papa, Friend, and Boss.

Steve was born on January 4, 1954 in Alva, Oklahoma. The youngest of three children to Eva Geraldine Smith and Ray Gauger. Steve attended school in Shidler, Oklahoma graduating high school with honors and perfect attendance. On January 24, 1974 he graduated with honors from the Oklahoma State University Technical School. On June 8, 1974 he married his sweetheart Donita Sue McAlister in Ponca City, Oklahoma embarking on their 50-year life journey together. Several years later they welcomed their first blessing, daughter Kristal then a very short time later they welcome their second daughter Kendra. Steve worked in the oil and gas industry for 35 plus years. After several years of hard work and dedication he became chief inspector leading him to start Gauger Inspection Services in 1992. Steve loved working with numbers, and loved what he did all the way up to his early retirement after being diagnosed with cancer. In 2003, Steve’s first and only grandson was born, the following years he welcomed 6 granddaughters. Steve was a loving dedicated “Papa.” He loved being able to spend time with the grandkids and was actively involved with their lives, enjoyed attending their activities and school functions. When Steve was not spending time with his family or grandkids, he would be out in his shop tinkering on cars, building things or doing carpentry. He was a master carpenter; he built an entire house by solely reading building books. He could fix anything, even if it was not the right fix, it was fixed and worked. Steve was always willing to lend help whenever needed without the expectation of anything in return.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents, and granddaughter Chelsea Schlichting.

He is survived by his wife Donita Gauger of the home, daughter Kristal Schlichting husband Craig of Garber, Oklahoma, daughter Kendra Wright husband Jeff of Enid, Oklahoma, grandson Cameron Wright, granddaughters Kylie Wright, Kaylynne Wright, Cheyenne Schlichting, Clara Schlichting, Cora Schlichting, and Caroline Schlichting, brother Don Gauger and wife Mary of Owasso Oklahoma, sister Keryl Saban husband Jim Ratzlaff of Magnolia Texas. Niece Becky Gauger, Danielle Holtz and nephews Mike Gauger, Kevin Gauger, Chris Gauger, and Logan Neely and several other loving family members and friends.

 Memorial contributions in Stephen Gauger’s name can be made through Ladusau Evans Funeral Home, to help cover final funeral expenses. Condolences made be made, memories shared online at www.ladusauevans.com