Gordon Clifton GAULKE

GAULKE, NICHOLSON, ANDERSON, DRZYCIMSKI, LONG, BAKER, WATSON, WILTSIE, BAILEY, HANCKE

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/28/2016 at 01:08:17

April 18, 1928 --- February 12, 2014

Gordon Clifton Gaulke, 85, filed his final flight plan and the Lord welcomed him home as he earned his heavenly wings on Wednesday, February 12, 2014, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. Gordon was born on April 18, 1928, in Alexander, Iowa, to Harry Herman and Olive Louisa (Nicholson) Gaulke. He was a graduate of Sheldahl High School and had attended the University of Iowa. Gordon was an army veteran of World War II and was honorably discharged. He was united in marriage to the 'love of his life' LaJean Marilyn Anderson, and to this union, three children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren were born. Gordon was formerly employed in upper management with several companies in various states, including Den-Tal-Ez, which was known for inventing and making the contour dental chairs as well as several hand powered instruments for the dental offices. He later started two small businesses, United Machine and Tool, which he eventually sold; and Sentronix, from which he retired.

He was a member of Slater American Legion, Polk City Operative Masonic Lodge No. 308, Des Moines Pioneer Masonic Lodge No. 22, and the Sheldahl United Methodist Church. On August 11, 2009, Gordon was one of the first veterans on the first Iowa Honor Flight to Washington D.C. He had a passion for flying; and loved spending time with his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, LaJean Gaulke of Slater; three children, Deb (Bruce) Drzycimski of Slater, Greg (Becky) Gaulke of Ely, MN and JaNeil (Kenny) Long of Ankeny; one sister, Roberta (James) Bailey of Brookings, SD; six grandchildren, Chris (Sheri) Baker of Spencer, IA, Brent (Sara) Drzycimski of Huxley, Spencer Gaulke and Carter Gaulke both of Ely, MN, Charity (Tom) Watson of Ankeny and Mandy (Tiaan) Hancke of Heath, TX; and five great-grandchildren, Chloe Baker, Sam Baker, Quinn Baker and Meredith Baker all of Spencer, and Faith Watson of Ankeny. Gordon was preceded into eternal life by his parents; brother at infancy, Loren Gaulke; and one sister, Irene Wiltsie on November 30, 2013.