Dave Gauger

David E. Gauger, Sr., age 65, resident of Manitowoc, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Tuesday evening, January 25, 2022 at Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa.

Dave was born in Manitowoc on January 22, 1957 to Karl and Shirley (Klug) Gauger and was a graduate of Lincoln High School with the class of 1975. Dave worked as an auto mechanic since the age of 16. He was employed with Yanda Motors for many years, which became First Chrysler in Manitowoc, and later worked for DeFaut Auto Salvage until it's closing. He was a ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician. Dave was an avid race car enthusiast, having been involved in racing since the age of 10. He started racing in 1984, and raced at many of the local tracks. He loved working on, and building many race cars for himself, his family, and friends. He was married to Peggy A. Throndson on August 8, 1980.

Dave served on the Manitowoc County Expo Board for nearly 25 years, and also held a seat on the County Board for several terms. He was very proud of receiving a citation at the age of 13 for saving a man's life on the Bay of Green Bay. In his retirement years, Dave continued to enjoy helping anybody and everybody - fixing cars, wrenching on motors, and mainly loved being with family and friends. He will be missed by many.

Survivors include his wife, Peggy; son, David (Brooke) Gauger of Two Rivers; two daughters, Heather Meeuwsen of Green Bay, and Rachel Gauger of Manitowoc; five grandchildren: Teagen and Tenleigh Gauger; Daryn and Braxtyn Smith; and Katrina (Dakota) Kangas, and their twin sons, James and Harry. He is further survived by his mother-in-law & step father-in-law, Pat and Dale Wech of Manitowoc; step mother-in-law, Lois Throndson of Mishicot; brother-in-laws: Scott Throndson, Todd (Dayna) Wech, Mark (Darcy) Wech, all of Manitowoc; and three sister-in-laws: Kim (Don) Haack of Mishicot, Vickie House (Gregg Kutil) of Two Rivers, and Nancy (Gary) Sheltren of Bakersfield, CA; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Shirley Gauger; father-in-law, Sherm Throndson; step-father, James Wenzel; one granddaughter, Tiarra; brother-in-law, Cory Throndson; and his best friend, Dave Konitzer, Sr.

The family will greet relatives and friends for a visitation on Saturday, February 5th from 9:00 a.m. until 12 noon at Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels, 1506 18th Street, Two Rivers. A time of reflection and sharing memories will be held at 12 o'clock. Burial will take place on Monday, February 7th at Evergreen Cemetery, Manitowoc.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dejamartin.com.

Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels of Two Rivers is assisting the Gauger family with funeral arrangements.