DAVID GAUTHIER
December 29, 1942 - January 05, 2023
Obituary
David Dean Gauthier died unexpectedly on January 5th, 2023, at his residence. He was only 80 years old. The family is deeply saddened and shocked by his sudden death. Dave was born on December 29, 1942.
Dave is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Sharon (nee Brietzke); and his two sons: David (Tracey) and Eric. He will be forever cherished and remembered by his three grandchildren: Logan, Landon (Katherine) and Hannah (partner Grant Ten Pass); as well as his two bonus grandchildren: Tessa Ducat (partner Alexander Wold) and Tyler Ducat.
His memory lives on with his brothers: Mark (Donna) Gauthier and Art (Sally) Gauthier; and sister-in-law, Diane (Danny) Brandner; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Dave was preceded by his parents, Francis and Elsie; 6 brothers: Donald, James, Robert, Francis Jr. (Bud), Vic, and Irvin; his sister, Lauranna Kettner; and most recently, his trusty canine sidekick, Cassie.
He was born in Keshena, Wisconsin, 10th of 11 children, graduating from Shiocton High School in 1960. Dave worked in the paper industry for many years, and later worked at and retired from Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Neenah. The connections he made through work and in the neighborhood, as well as through his sons and their friends made for many entertaining stories and humorous memories, resulting in life-long friendships.
Dave was also a U.S Army veteran, serving his country proudly in Vietnam as a medical corpsman. Later in life, he was active in the VFW, serving for a time as the Commander of VFW Post 10893. He was involved in many aspects of the VFW work including many brat frys with Sharon, and in paying tribute to other vets by performing honor guard duties.
Some of his greatest joy came from his children and grandchildren. Together they created many memories; most recently in January of 2022 on a family trip to Florida, where the whole family was able to enjoy a week together in the sun. Dave's smile and laugh were infectious. We will all remember him and his joyous grin and laugh, and the immense pride he had in his family.
Anyone who knew Dave knew that he loved a watching a good western (really any western) and pretty much any sport, but most especially the Packers, Bucks and Brewers. We all remember him fondly for his armchair coaching; critiquing those calls he felt were questionable, sometimes with profanity-laced suggestions for the umpires. We know that he'll be watching the BIG screen from his comfy chair, with Cassie by his side and a cup of hot coffee nearby.
Services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 11th, 2023, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 324 Nicolet Blvd, Menasha, with a visitation held from 9:00 am until the time of the service. A luncheon celebrating Dave's life will be held after the service at the church. Military Honors will be with the Neenah Menasha Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established benefitting the Old Glory Honor Flight, which Dave was so proud to take part in during the summer of 2014.
There are no words that can express how grateful and blessed we are to our neighbors and friends who have been so kind through the years. Also, a heartfelt thank you to the first responders for doing everything they could for Dave.
Love you, Dad. There must have been one hell of a sheepshead game in Heaven last night.
Love you forever. Until we meet again. Sharon