John Gaska

John Gaska, 85, of Wausau passed away Friday, February 3, 2012 at St. Joseph Hospital, Marshfield.
He was born June 10, 1926 in Rothschild to the late Theodore and Bernice (Stola) Gaska. John was a graduate of St. Michael's Catholic School in 1939 and a 1943 graduate of Wausau Senior High. He was a U.S. Army veteran and member of the American Legion Montgomery Plant Post #10 as well as the Disabled American Veterans. After attending a forestry aide course in 1945, John traveled extensively in the western United States working as a surveyor in Washington and Oregon building forest access roads for federal timber areas. In 1951, John went to Alaska and worked 26 years in heavy construction all over many remote areas of the state. He finished his career in 1977 after working the last seven years on the Alaskan Pipeline.
John enjoyed the wilderness areas of Alaska especially being able to take in all the different wildlife. During his time in Alaska he witnessed the 1964 earthquake in Anchorage and the oil spill in Valdez. John was a traveler having driven the Al-Can Highway roundtrip on seven different occasions.
His pastimes included fishing, hunting and woodworking. He was an active member of Holy Name of Jesus Parish helping for many years with "Summerfun". John was a devout Catholic who had great compassion for the needy, donating to many different organizations and charities throughout the world.
Survivors include his sister, Leona (James) Bowman of Baltimore, Maryland and many nieces, nephews and their families. John was preceded in death by four brothers, Sigmund, Walter, Leo, and Joseph, three sisters, Mary Miller, Phyllis Gaska, Helen Schymanski and his special friend, Mae Gartmann.
The Mass of the Resurrection will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Wausau. Father David Rybicki will officiate. Burial will be in St. Michael Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Helke Funeral Home, Wausau with a parish vigil service at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will resume on Wednesday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
We would like to extend a special thank you to all the health care providers in Wausau and Marshfield for the care and kindness they gave John and our extended family.
John took such joy and loved holding all of the newborn infants that were born into his family, that rather than flowers, he requested memorials may be directed to any charities that help needy and starving children.

COME FOLLOW ME

You shall cross the barren
desert, but you shall not
die of thirst.
You shall wander for
safety, though you did not
know the way.
You shall speak your words
in foreign lands, and all
will understand.
You shall see the face of God
and love, do not be afraid.
I go before you always
come follow me,
I will give you rest.