Glenn William Gauger

Glenn William Gauger, 86, Freelandville, passed away Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at Good Samaritan Hospital.  Glenn was born May 18, 1931 in Burlington, WI the son of Elmer and Luella Vivian Gauger.  He married Barbara Lou Wilkens on August 17, 1952.

Glenn is survived by his wife of 65 years, Barbara; sons, Gilbert Gauger of Vincennes, IN and Dale Gauger (Martine) of Delevan, WI; daughter, Kimberly Whittaker (James Lentz) of Indianapolis, IN; his grandchildren, Aleah Adams (Gary), Dana Smith (Brad), Whitney Pendergast (Bryan), Codi Gauger, Katie Williams (Clint), Nicholas Leonard (Diana), Meaghan Gauger (James), Zach Whittaker and Ryan Galligan (Jessica).

Glenn was also blessed with thirteen great grandchildren who adored him.  Lane, Cooper, Ally, Corrine, Nolan, Paislee, Finn, Cohen, Michalina, Kara, Kolton, Aiden and Ava as well as one great, great granddaughter Adeline.  He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Lynn Leonard; brothers, Richard and Lee Gauger; and grandson, Corey Whittaker.

Glenn’s passion in life was his career as a pilot.  He was a member of the first graduating class at Purdue University from the Aviation Technology ANP program in 1957.  He was a member of the United States Navy and served as an aviation mechanic.  Glenn’s career as a commercial and private pilot throughout his years sent him on many adventures.  He obtained numerous certifications as a flight instructor, inspector and repair maintenance mechanic.  He was a man of many gifted talents. 

Glenn was awarded the prestigious recognition from the Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration, The Wright Brothers “Master Pilot” Award as well as the Charles Taylor “Master Mechanic” Award of which very few people have received both.

Glenn was a lifetime member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, serving as an officer for 22 years and as a flight advisor and technical counselor since the chapter initiated.  Glenn’s lifelong goal in aviation was to assist people to enjoy aviation activity as much as he did. 

Glenn was also qualified to fly 72 types of aircraft completing nearly 14,000 flight hours and 5,300,000 miles traveled.  Aviation was his passion and during his 28 year career as a commercial pilot with Green Construction of Indiana he flew countless numbers of celebrities and entertainers including Bob Hope, Phyllis Diller, Red Skelton and Larry Bird, to name a few.  He trained over 500 students. 

His favorite thing to do was flying.  Whether in the Howard 500 or the Lear Jet, his head and heart were always in the clouds. 

Glenn was a faithful civil servant and served the town of Oaktown for 21 years as President of the Town Council, on the County Plan Commission and many boards.  He loved to volunteer and was always there to lend a helping hand.  Glenn was instrumental in negotiating many of Oaktown’s public works improvements, housing development and overall just wanted to make Oaktown a better place to live.  

Glenn was a kind and gentle soul who loved his wife immensely, adored and admired his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He will be sadly missed by all as well as his faithful walking companion, Bandit his beloved dog.  He leaves many lasting memories and an amazing legacy.  He has been cleared for his final flight.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Oaktown Youth Foundation in Glenn’s honor.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2017 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the McClure Utt Funeral Home, 100 W. Main St., Oaktown, IN.  Services to follow at 3:00 PM.

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