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James H. Gauger

October 12, 1948 - April 27, 2026
Visitation
Krause Funeral Home Brookfield
21600 West Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53072
Friday 5/8, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Service
Krause Funeral Home Brookfield
21600 West Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53072
Friday 5/8, 3:00 pm
James H. Gauger passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the age of 77. He was born October 12, 1948 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Harvey and Frieda (Hartzke) Gauger. He was preceded in death by the love of his life and best friend, Linda, with whom he shared 49 years of marriage.
Jim was a loving and devoted father to Patti (Tony) Reyes and Nick (Jennifer) Gauger. He was a beloved brother to Lois (Roy) Schicker and Ron (Sue) Gauger, and a caring uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Blessed with a natural curiosity and a mechanical mindset, Jim loved understanding how things worked. He would much rather tear down and rebuild a motorcycle than ride one. He spent most of his career in metal fabrication, dedicating 40 years to Universal Welding and Engineering.
In their free time, Jim and Linda cherished their day trips, exploring different parts of Wisconsin together while enjoying their shared love of music and turning up the radio for the perfect road‑trip soundtrack. Later in life, Jim rekindled his passion for camping, fishing, hunting, and golf.
A gentle soul, Jim was affectionately known as “Mel” by his brother—a shortened version of the nickname “Mellow,” given to him by friends for his calm, easygoing nature. His sister lovingly described him as “the sweetest man on earth.” With a heart of gold, quick wit, and peaceful disposition, Jim’s kindness and thoughtfulness touched everyone he met. He will be dearly missed.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Lois, Ron, Sue, and Debbie for the many visits and support that lifted Jim’s spirits as he bravely faced health challenges over the past year.
Visitation 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, with service at 3:00 PM, on Friday, May 8, 2026 at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin.
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Woman in a striped dress helping a child on a swing in a park, chains and swing set visible; other people in background.
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Two children on a vintage car: a smiling toddler sits on the car door while a girl in a dress supports him, in a suburban street setting.
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Black-and-white photo of men in a boat on a calm lake, with a wooded shoreline and small boathouse in the background.
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Black-and-white school portrait of a young boy in a plaid shirt with a small tag hanging at his chest, smiling softly, labeled 'School Days 57-58'.
Young boy in a cowboy costume sits on a cushioned armchair, smiling at the camera in a living room.
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Bearded man with glasses wearing a light patterned shirt, indoors, with a black-and-white cat in his lap.
Family of four posing for a photo in a living room: father with hand on daughter’s shoulder, mother beside, plus a young boy in front.
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Man with a beard sits at a table beside a red sofa while a woman in a striped shirt lounges with legs on the sofa in a living room scene
Man in a pink shirt sits with a small child between his legs on a stone stair wall outdoors.
Man in a striped shirt lying on the carpet with two dogs—a white fluffy one and a brown curly one—near a yellow toy in a cozy living room by a brick fireplace and plants.
Two women cooking in a home kitchen, with bowls of chopped vegetables and a red pot on the stove nearby.
Child wearing an orange knit hat sits on logs near a small campfire while two adults in camouflage are nearby in a leaf-filled autumn field.
Family of four sitting on a floral sofa in a living room, smiling at the camera.
Older man with glasses and white beard sitting in a brown recliner, looking at a smartphone in his hands, lamp glowing nearby.
Smiling elderly man with cap sits at a table with a small white dog on his lap, a red Coca‑Cola can, and a rainbow-frosted cake nearby.
Three adults pose together outdoors, smiling at the camera with trees in the background.
People sit at a bar counter in a casual cafe, chatting and smiling at each other while drinks sit in front of them.
Older man in a suit and blue tie seated among wedding guests at an outdoor ceremony, with candles and greenery in the foreground.
Group of smiling guests posing at a banquet table with blue decor and chandelier-lit room in the background.
Smiling older man in a cap celebrating with a tall sparkler on a dessert at a restaurant, another person blurred in the background.
Two men outdoors on a grassy field, holding a lit sky lantern together as flames glow inside the paper lantern in the evening light.
Five people sit closely together on a couch in a living room, posing for a photo and smiling at the camera.
Older man in a hoodie and cap holding a fish by a riverside, with trees and a distant city skyline in the background.
Older man with a gray beard wearing a camo jacket and cap sits in a folding camping chair in a forest, nearby stacked logs ready for firewood.
Three adults sit in folding chairs on a wooden deck outside, with trees and houses in the background; they appear relaxed and casually dressed.
Three adults posing together outdoors on a sunny day; a man in a suit with a blue tie and boutonniere stands on the right, a woman in a patterned dress and cardigan in the middle, and a man in a checkered shirt on the left.
Older man on a boat holding a long fish by the mouth, with a lake and forest in the background.
Two men wearing hats and sunglasses sit in a boat on a sunny day with water and trees in the background (selfie).
Two men wearing caps and jackets on a boat, with a gray cloudy sky and lake in the background.
Older man with a white beard driving a camo jacketed boat, wearing cap and sunglasses, steering at dashboard against blue sky and trees in background
Man fishing from a foldable chair in a marshy, grass-filled area, wearing a dark jacket and cap with a fishing rod in hand and a white bucket nearby.
Older man with a white beard sits on a green folding chair on a wooden deck, wearing a cap, sunglasses, light shirt and shorts.
Older man in a green shirt and cap sits in a boat on a calm lake, holding up a long northern pike he just caught.
Older man with a white beard sitting on a boat, holding up a largemouth bass he caught.
Older man in a hat and sunglasses sitting on a boat, holding a small fish over calm lake with trees in the background.
Three men stand outside by a hedge in a grassy yard; a tall curved metal shepherd's hook looms to the right, with an orange cat near the man in a light shirt.
Older man with glasses sits on floor among wrapped gifts and two dogs in a home setting, holiday presents scattered around.
Wedding party portrait outdoors: a couple seated on a teal tufted sofa, with guests in formal attire standing behind them, greenery in the background.
Two men in formal suits pose together outdoors, one younger bald man with a bow tie and an older man with glasses and a boutonniere, smiling.
Older man with glasses and gray beard wearing a gray 'Universal Wiring' T-shirt, standing indoors with a red and black object tucked over his shoulder.
Group of adults at an indoor casual gathering, seated around a blue table with drinks and snacks, balloons in the background.
Two people kissing in a close-up shot, with one wearing dark glasses and the other wearing a light-colored headband or ribbon in her hair.
Bride wearing a long lace wedding gown and veil, holding a bouquet, standing with groom in a tuxedo and bow tie.
Bride and groom kiss at their wedding; the groom wears a black tuxedo and bow tie, the bride in a white lace gown with a veil.
Bride in a white wedding dress and veil smiles at the camera, with two guests in the background.
Bride in a white wedding gown and veil holds hands with a man in a black tuxedo at their wedding.
Bride in a white gown with veil holding a bouquet, flanked by the wedding party in formal attire including men in tuxedos and two girls in white dresses with bouquets.
Bride in a white wedding gown holding a colorful bouquet, flanked by two men in black suits and a woman in a purple dress, outdoors under a floral arch on a sunny day.
Two people cuddling on a floral sofa, smiling at the camera.
Family of four sits on a plaid couch in a living room, with a white Christmas tree in the background.
Smiling older man with a white beard and glasses sits in a dark shirt and cap; a smiling woman stands behind him with her arm on the chair, and a blue teddy bear rests in front with a printed shirt.
Smiling couple posing arm-in-arm in front of a brick fireplace decorated with nutcracker figurines on the mantle.
Group of six adults smiling for a photo in a living room with a stone fireplace in the background; three seated at a table and three standing behind them.
Four adults posing indoors by a stone fireplace, smiling at the camera.
Older couple standing together by a lake, the man with a cap and beard has his arm around the woman, smiling at the camera.
Older couple wearing Santa hats pose together and smile in front of festive patterned wallpaper.
Portrait of an older man with white beard and glasses, wearing a dark cap and beige button-down shirt, smiling at the camera.
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Visitation
Krause Funeral Home Brookfield
21600 West Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53072
Map
Friday 5/8, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Service
Krause Funeral Home Brookfield
21600 West Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53072
Map
Friday 5/8, 3:00 pm
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James H. Gauger passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the age of 77. He was born October 12, 1948 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Harvey and Frieda (Hartzke) Gauger. He was preceded in death by the love of his life and best friend, Linda, with whom he shared 49 years of marriage. Jim wasContinue Reading

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Tree 5 trees were planted in memory of James Gauger
Jacqualine Johnson left a message on May 3, 2026:
With our most sincere condolences, Lovingly, Felix and Jacqualine
Michele & Steve Rucci left a message on May 7, 2026:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
White Designer's Choice was purchased for the family of James Gauger by Michele & Steve Rucci. Send Flowers
Shawn and Jane. left a message on May 5, 2026:
Peace, Prayers and Blessings,
Basket of Joy was purchased for the family of James Gauger by Shawn and Jane.. Send Flowers
A tree was also planted in memory of James Gauger
CCNA Team left a message on April 30, 2026:
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your father. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Serene Retreat was purchased for the family of James Gauger by CCNA Team. Send Flowers
A tree was also planted in memory of James Gauger
Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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