Norwin George "Norm" "Lefty" Gau Jr., of White Lake, died Sunday, April 28, 2013 at his home under the care of LeRoyer Hospice and his family. He was 85 years old. He was born on March 14, 1928 in Sheboygan, a son of the late Norwin and Isabelle (Breckheimer) Gau.
He married Alice Hanke, she preceded him in death in 1979. He then married Carmen Popelka in 1981, she preceded him in death in 2003. On June 5, 2005 he married Marge (Pellegrino), she survives.
He graduated from Sheboygan High School.
Mr. Gau was a two year veteran of the United States Army having enlisted in October of 1946. In January of 1952 he enlisted in the Untied States Air Force serving in both World War II and the Korean War. He retired as a Senior Master Sergeant after 26 years of service.
Following retirement from the Air Force he worked for Bell Helicopter assisting the company in Iran and Turkey.
He moved to White Lake in 2003.
He was a member of the Anderson-Sather American Legion Post 524, White Lake, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Air Force Sergeants Association. He volunteered for the Civil Air Patrol in Minneapolis, Minn.
He enjoyed shooting pool, throwing darts, reading, fishing and hunting.
Survivors include his wife Marge, White Lake; three daughters, Kathy Gau of Scottsdale, Ariz, Cindy (Kai) Hansen of Belleville and Pam Gau of Waukau; three sons, Bill Gau of Apple Valley, Minn, Bob Gau of St. Paul, Minn and Jim (Roberta) Gau of Big Lake, Minn; five grandchildren, Jenny Gau, Bob (Amanda) Gau, Michelle Gau, Teri Lokken and Ally Hansen; seven great grandchildren; two step-daughters, Cindy Fowler of Corpus Christi, Texas and Debbie Vasquez of Maricopa, Ariz; three step-sons, Patrick (Kathryn) Werth of Appleton, Richard Werth of Little Chute and Mike Frerichs of Corpus Christi, Texas; two step-grandchildren, David (Hermoine) Henderson and Amy (Brandon) Starry.
He was preceded in death by three sisters, Marvis, Pat and Kathryn.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Bradley Funeral Home with Rev. Omer Kelley officiating. Burial will take place in St. James Cemetery, White Lake with White Lake veterans conducting military rites. Visitation will be Wednesday from 11:30 am until the time of service at the funeral home.
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Antigo, WI 54409
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Antigo, WI 54409
Dad, you taught me how to fish, to play pool and to shoot a gun, but the most important thing you taught me was how to enjoy life and keep a sense of humor. I will miss your stories and your jokes, but mostly I will just miss you. You were always there for me.
Norm was a good listener, understanding and full of wisdom. We spent many hours talking about life. I enjoyed playing sheepsed (cards), fishing, holidays and just time together. I will miss him dearly, he was my dad.
We will miss you Grandpa! I know you are up in heaven with grandma Alice and grandma Carmen. Summer camping won't be the same without you...but hopefully your pain is gone and you are fishing and playing cards with the angels!
To Marge and the family of Norm...It has been a true blessing and honor to have been given the opportunity to have known Norm. We spent countless hours in the past talking about the USAF, music, books, hunting, history, etc. He was truly a kind and gracious spirit. He had a huge and contagious smile and a laugh I will never forget. He will be greatly missed. I hope to be there to give him the final salute as he rides off in the wild blue yonder. Godspeed my friend.
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Life of Norm Gau by Amanda Gau
Norm absolutely loved this song. I heard it every time I saw him. Great reminder to celebrate life. Brings a huge smile to my face and I hope all of yours. Life goes on...
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