James F. “Jim” Gaukel 1936 - 2019

GAUKEL, RAWLINGS

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 11/5/2019 at 09:09:52

Onawa Democrat
12 June 2019

James “Jim” Gaukel, age 83, of Mapleton, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, June 1, 2019, at his residence of Mapleton, Iowa.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 07, 2019, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Mapleton, Iowa. Father Richard D. Ball will officiate. Committal Services will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery of Mapleton, Iowa. A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 06, 2019, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Mapleton, Iowa. The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

James F. “Jim” Gaukel was born in Sioux City, IA as the second child of Dr. Leo and Frances Gaukel. He grew up in Onawa, IA with his four siblings Leo Thomas, Dennis, Phillip and Ann. He was a lifelong resident of Monona County, Iowa.

Jim graduated from Onawa High School in 1954. He went to college at St. Thomas College in St. Paul, MN and graduated in 1958. Jim was accepted into Medical School and attend 1 year at St. Louis University before transferring to the University of South Dakota Law School, graduating in 1962.

Jim married Mary Helen Rawlings of Sioux City on September 2, 1961. Jim and Mary were blessed with three children Lisa, Bill and Scott.

Jim was admitted to the practice Law in Iowa on Oct. 5, 1962 and entered a law practice on Oct. 8, 1962, with John Beardsley of Onawa. Gaukel opened a part-time satellite office in Mapleton in 1962 which became his fulltime solo practice in 1965 and grew into Gaukel, Nevins and Westergaard.

Jim strongly believed in giving back; he served as the Monona County Attorney (1965-1970) and 35 years as Mapleton City Attorney (1965-2000). Jim was a member of the Mapleton Electric Board (1984-present); and was one of the founders of Mapleton Progress – “Maple Heights” and active board member for 50 years.

Growing up, Jim was very active in sports. He played varsity baseball at St. Thomas. He helped organize and coach the Onawa youth baseball league and managed the Red Sox town team. Jim cherished the relationships he built playing ball throughout Western Iowa and Northeast Nebraska with his ‘Raintree County’ crew.

In his spare time Jim spent as much time as possible playing golf at his beloved Willow Vale Golf Club. Jim enjoyed woodworking and spent countless hours in his wood shop. Jim also enjoyed reading and spending time with his family.

Of all the things he valued, his 8 grandchildren and great-granddaughter topped the list. Jim was also very proud that he and his father, Dr. Leo Gaukel enjoyed the privilege of delivering professional services to residents of Monona County for more than 105 combined years.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Mary Gaukel of Mapleton, IA; children Lisa Kingsbury of Omaha, NE, Bill (Michelle) Gaukel of Sergeant Bluff, IA and Scott (Darcy) Gaukel of Kansas City, MO; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild; brothers Dennis (Carolyn) Gaukel of West Des Moines, IA and Phil (Kathy) Gaukel of Onawa, IA; sister Ann (Steve) Czonstka of Niceville, FL; extended family and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Dr. Leo and Frances Gaukel; brother Leo Thomas Gaukel; and grandson Leo Maurice Gaukel.

Jim and family sincerely appreciate the outstanding care he received from Burgess Home Healthcare. In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage those wanting to give to make a donation to Burgess Home Healthcare in Onawa, IA.

Monona Obituaries maintained by Linda Ziemann.
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