Fred Gaulke, Jr

Fred W. Gaulke, Jr. (Freddie) died peacefully on February 23, 2015, at his home.

Town of Wausau loses a well-known icon;
Freddie was born on July 30, 1917, in the Town of Wausau. He was the son of the late Fred Gaulke, Sr. and Irene (Porath) Gaulke. His grandparents were John Gaulke and Henrietta (Schwede) Gaulke and Ferdinand Porath and Henrietta (Leitzke) Porath.

He is preceded in death by one brother, Earl; two sisters, Esther Gaulke and Irene Jarntowski; and brother-in-law, George Jarntowski.

He was a life-long member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 7505 N. 33rd St., Wausau, where he was baptized and confirmed. He was a member of the choir and served on various offices of the church. As an electrician he was instrumental in donating his time in wiring the original church and also the new church building, and doing all of its maintenance wiring. He was also a lifetime member of the Lutheran Layman's League.

Freddie was a semi-retired dairy farmer and a talented person with many hobbies. He was a self-employed licensed electrician and served as an electrical maintenance person for years at Sunset Cheese and Butter Co-op, Wausau Feed and Grain and General Feeds and Seeds in Wausau, Schofield, and Ringle.

Music was one of his greatest joys. For over 50 years he had a seven-piece polka band operating under the name of Freddie Gaulke and His Recording Orchestra. He also played with several other bands including the Melody Kings, Silver Stars and the Highlanders. He was a lifetime member of Local 480; The American Federation of Musicians.

Freddie was a 1936 graduate of the former Wausau High School. He served as clerk for Lenroot School, District #7, and also clerk for Joint School district #7, and Hill Grove School, District #9, from 1946-1962 when they were consolidated into the City of Wausau School District.

Freddie also served on the election board for the Town of Wausau for over 70 years. He was a member of the River Valley Harmonizers for 31 years, and sang lead in the Wausau Barbershop Choir.

Freddie was a man of great faith who typically wore a warm smile and was well liked, always chipper. He had the biggest heart in the world and would truly give the shirt off his back to help anyone. He was a passionate gardener and flower lover, and he loved everything beautiful. He was a perfectionist and took pride in everything that he did. He will be truly missed.

A funeral service will be at 12 noon on Saturday, February 28, 2015, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Town of Wausau, with Rev. Scott Holoubek officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow in St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery, Town of Wausau.

You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.