Evelyn Mae Gaugert, 86, of Oconomowoc passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. 

Born on May 18, 1938, to Wilfred and Linne (Voeltz) Gottschalk. Evelyn grew up in the Town of Oakland, WI.  She worked hard on the family farm but had a lot of fond memories of the fun she had with her siblings.  After graduating from Jefferson High School, Evelyn attended and graduated from Wisconsin Teacher College – Whitewater (UW -Whitewater).  She taught at Hebron School, Rockwell School, and Palmyra School.  Evelyn’s love for education and learning continued throughout her life. 

On July 25, 1964, Evelyn married Gilbert L. “Gil” Gaugert at St. Mark’s Church in Jefferson, WI.  Gil and Evelyn lived and raised their three daughters, Susan, Beth, and Polly in Sullivan, where the family became lifelong members of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Her faith was a very important to her.  Evelyn was a wonderful wife and mother.  She supported and provided so much love and education to her family.   Evelyn was extremely helpful and loving to Polly and her special needs throughout Polly’s whole life.  Evelyn advocated for the best medical doctors, treatments and living arrangements for Polly.  

Evelyn was very creative and had many hobbies that beautified her home.  She enjoyed sewing, quilting, rug braiding, and refinishing furniture. These gifts not only beautified her home but she shared her gifts with many others.   Evelyn loved attending classes and learning at MATC-Fort Atkinson.  She had so much fun with the people she met and learned from at these classes.  In 2023, Evelyn completed a book entitled, “Our Little House in Oakland.” This book was about her family’s fondest childhood memories.   It was one of her prized accomplishments that she shared with her siblings and family.

Later in her life, Evelyn and Gil were blessed to spend their winters in Naples, FL.  The warm weather, friends, family, and their church, Faith Lutheran, brought them much joy in Florida.  In 2018, Gil and Evelyn returned full-time to Oconomowoc. 

Evelyn is survived by her two loving daughters, Susan (Richard) Trofka and Beth Johnson; her grandchildren Adam (Jane), Alex, Trent, and Claire Trofka and Jack and Kate Johnson.  Evelyn also became a great grandma to Ethan Trofka in 2024.  Evelyn is further survived by her sister, Mary Lu Bickle, brothers Jim Gottschalk and Don (Valerie) Gottschalk, and sister-in-law Marion Holtz.  Evelyn has been blessed with many special friends throughout her life and she will be truly missed by all who knew her.    

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Wilfred and Linnie Gottschalk; husband, Gil Gaugert; sister Kathryn Meinel; daughter Polly Gaugert; many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.  

The family would like to thank Aurora Hospital- Summit, Rainbow Hospice, Cathy Voigt, her friends at Silver Ridge Condo, and St. John’s Lutheran Church for being with Evelyn during her last week of life.

A funeral service for Evelyn will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sullivan with Rev. John Laux presiding.   A visitation for family and friends will begin at 10:00am until the time of service at the church.  A luncheon in the St. John’s Fellowship Hall will follow immediately after the funeral and burial.   

In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. John’s Lutheran Church would be appreciated.