John F. Gauer

John Gauer

John F. Gauer, 80, died Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011, at Northern Montana Hospital, of natural causes. Cremation has taken place, and his memorial service will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions in John's honor may be made to the American Cancer Society. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.

John was born Oct. 13, 1930, to John and Anna Gauer. He was raised and educated in Dickinson, N.D. He became the assistant manager at Cashway Lumber in Dickinson right out of high school. Then, he joined the Army as a medic in 1949, and was stationed in Camp Rucker, Ala. He was discharged in 1953. John married Pearl Enderud at Long Island, New York in 1950. To this union, six children were born. John and Pearl moved to Havre in 1954, where John became the manager of Havre Builders Supply.

John enjoyed camping with his family in Beaver Creek Park, fishing, hunting, collecting coins and cooking. He loved his animals (he brought many strays home). He especially loved his grandchildren. They gave him great joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Gerb.

John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Peal Gauer of Havre, Mont .; his children, John (Charlotte) Gauer Jr. of Havre, Mont., Sally (Roy) Wilhelm of Havre, Mont., and Nome, Alaska; Dwight (Sooky) Gauer of South Korea; Pamela (Kel) Mehl of Kalispell, Mary (J.L.) Bloom of Miles City, Judy (Ken) Sederdahl of Kalispell; one sister, Rosemary Menard of Crookston, Minn .; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one grandson to be born on John's birthday, Oct. 13.