by Duane Wayne Death, Obituary – Duane “Wayne Sr.” F. Gauger, age 74, passed away on Sunday, January 8, 2023 at Edgewater Haven in Port Edwards. He was a resident of Rothschild and was formerly of Clintonville. The late Floyd and Dora (Krueger) Gauger welcomed their son, Duane Floyd Gauger, into the world on February 19, 1948 in Wausau. He was named after his late father. After receiving his diploma from Wausau High School in 1967, he went on to serve his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Vietnam. Duane served in the military for four years before receiving an honorable discharge.
Throughout his time in the military, he was incredibly patriotic and guarded the American flag with his life. On March 13, 1981, he wed Pat Wanta in Waupaca, and the two became one flesh in the process. In the years leading up to their separation, the couple called Clintonville home and brought up their son Wayne Jr. While living in Clintonville, Duane was employed by Everson’s IGA for more than 12 years. After moving to Bonduel, he worked for Vlasic Pickles for another 10 years. In addition, Duane was employed at the Graceland Cemetery in Clintonville for a period of time.
He was also a life member of the Wausau Man of Honor Society in addition to being a member of the DAV Chapter 53. When Duane was rooting for Dale Earnhardt Sr. in NASCAR races, he would become so excited that he would actually sit on the edge of his seat. It was a hobby of his to pampered his animals; whether it was the steers he bred or his dogs, he was always giving them treats behind their backs. Building model vehicles and die casting cars was another hobby that Duane enjoyed. He also liked going to demo derbies, playing bar bingo, using his Monte Carlo to its performance limits, and seeing his son “Choo Choo” race.
He had a personality that was larger than life and was able to strike up conversations and make friends wherever he went.
