Shirley L. Gauerke

GAUERKE, SHIRLEY L.

Shirley L. Gauerke, age 81, of Appleton, died unexpectedly on Saturday, December 31, 2011. She was born on March 14, 1930 in Appleton, the daughter of the late Ferdinand and Elsie (Schroeder) Arnold. On June 10, 1950, Shirley married Kenneth Gauerke at First English Lutheran Church in Appleton. She graduated from Appleton High School class of 1949. Shirley was a charter member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and active in their quilters group. She volunteered as a pink lady at the Appleton Medical Center and with the Golden K Kiwanis at the Community Clothes Closet. Shirley enjoyed many years with friends in Clearwater Beach, Florida. She cherished and loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren and enjoyed baking Christmas cookies for her family. Yellow roses and cardinals always brought a smile to her face. Shirley was a sixteen year breast cancer survivor.

She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Kenneth Gauerke; dear mother of, Susan (Michael) Turner and Gary (Annette) Gauerke; grandchildren: Andrew Turner; Jennifer (Gary) Westerman, Jason (Jinnifer) Gauerke and Robin (Scott) Bromm; great grandchildren: Libby Westerman; Judd Gauerke; Natalie and Spencer Bromm; brother: Stanley (Carol) Arnold; brothers-in-law: Robert (Juanita) Gauerke and Rev. Eugene (Elvira) Gauerke and sister-in-law, Marjorie Gauerke. Shirley is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her great grandson, Koy Westerman; brother, Earl (Marion) Arnold and brother-in-law, Rev. Donald Gauerke.

The funeral service for Shirley will be held at 11:30 am on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at PRINCE OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2330 E. Calumet Street, Appleton. Rev. Gary Nokleberg and Rev. Roger McQuistion will be officiating. Interment will take place at Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call at the church from 9:00 am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church are appreciated.

The family would like to thank Dr. Craig Hendel, the Appleton Fire Department, Gold Cross paramedics and the staff at Appleton Medical Center for your care and compassion. Special thanks to Pastor Gary Nokleberg and Pastor Roger McQuistion for your guidance and prayer.

Dad would like to thank his kids for all of their help. We will love and miss you forever, until we meet again…..

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920)739-1231