Barbara M. Gaugert

Barbara M. Gaugert, 86 of Watertown, passed away on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Marquardt Health Center with family by her side.

Barbara was born October 4, 1937 at St. Mary's Hospital in Watertown, Jefferson County, Wisconsin. The daughter of Laurence and Alice (Parpart, later Mrs. Arthur Raether) Zielsdorf.

She attended St. Bernard's Grade School and Watertown High School. In her youth she worked at St. Mary's Hospital and at the candy counter at the old Woolworths Department Store. She was introduced to her future husband by her girlfriend, Gladys, who was married to his brother. Their first meeting was at Tiny's (which later became Chalet).

Her future husband was stationed in the United States Air Force, stationed in Turner Air Force Base in Albany, Georgia. She traveled by train to marry him there. She married Vernon G. Gaugert May 7, 1956. They lived there for about 8 years, it's where all of their children were born. Four children were born to them Richard (who preceded her in death in 2013), Debra (Lawrence) Ready, Donna (Michael) Schubert, and Henry. All of Watertown.

She returned to her hometown of Watertown, with her four children, when her husband was transferred to Africa. He was then transferred to K.I. Sawyer, where the family joined him. They lived there for 3 years. The family returned to Watertown after Vern retired from the service in 1968. Barbara was a lifetime member of Auxiliary of VFW Post 3709. They lived in Watertown for 26 years. They sold the home in 1994, moving to Johnson Creek. Vern died in 2008, Barb continued to live in Johnson Creek until 2014. In failing health (Alzheimer's), she lived with her daughter Debbie for 7 years, moving to Marquardt Memorial Manor from there. She passed away there May 10, 2024, with her children and brother at her side.

Besides the three children listed above, Barbara is survived by: 7 grandchildren Patrick (Lisa) of Myrtle Beach, Adam, and Shaun (Krista) Ready of Watertown, Kat (Eric) McDaniel of Waunakee, Martha (Colleen) Calhoun of Chicago, Richard & Brett Gaugert of Fort Atkinson; 11 great-grandchildren Allyson, Jayceon, Faith, Andrew, Amelia, Maximus, Cody, Noah, Kara, Logan and Lucas, with a twelfth on the way. Her sister Mrs. Carol Keeser of Jefferson, her brother Howard Zielsdorf of Watertown. Sisters-in-law's Doris Thom, of Jefferson, Lois (John) Burggraf of Janesville, and a brother-in-law Harold (Odessa) Gaugert of Johnson Creek. Other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her Husband Vernon, Son Richard (who's cremains will be buried with her), Sister Jo Ann Raether. Sister and Brothers-in-law Russel Keeser, Earl (Gladys) Gaugert, and Earl Thom. Nephews Dean Thom, and Jason Phillips.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the pastors of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, staff of The Marquardt, and the staff of Visiting Angels for the loving care provided to Barbara.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 17, 2024, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church of Watertown with Rev. Peter Wells presiding. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the church. Barbara will be laid to rest at Glenview Memorial Garden following the service.