Roger L. Gaulke

Roger L. Gaulke, 84, of Dows, passed away Friday, October 4, 2019 at Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation Center in Clarion.

Memorial services for Roger Gaulke will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at 10:30 AM at Morgan Bradford United Methodist Church, 569 100th Street in Dows with Reverend Judy Eilders officiating. Burial will take place at Morgan Township Cemetery.

Visitation for Roger Gaulke will be held on Monday, October 7, 2019 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Home, 100 North Lee Street in Dows.

Roger Llewellyn Gaulke was born September 27, 1935 to Fay and Verna (Larson) Gaulke on the family farm east of Dows. Roger was raised and educated in the Dows area, graduating from Franklin Consolidated High School with the class of 1953.

Following high school, Roger continued to farm with his father, and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1957. Following his discharge from the service, Roger continued farming and took over the operation following his father’s death in 1960.

Roger was united in marriage to Ardith Louise Dawson on June 17, 1962 at the Dows United Methodist Church. The couple raised their children, Regina, Van and Vernon on the family farm.

Roger continued to farm until the mid-1980’s, when he began a career in construction, working for Weidemann, Inc. until his retirement at age 74. He also delivered the Sunday edition of the Des Moines Register in rural Dows for 25 years.

Roger served as 4-H and Cub Scout Leader for the boys when they were growing up. He also enjoyed bowling, vegetable and flower gardening, specifically raising Cockscomb flowers. He was especially fond of horse shoe pitching, having competed in countless contests over the years, including a third place finish at the World Championships in 2001 and was crowned champion at the 2002 Iowa State Fair.

Roger was a very outgoing and sociable man, he loved listening to Polka music, attending the Texas Jams at Dows Community Center, and playing cards with friends (Pepper, 500 and Golf).

Roger is survived by his children, Regina (Craig) Boeset of Dows, Van (Ann Evans) Gaulke of Colo and Vernon Gaulke of Belmond; grandchildren Brittany, Erica and Raymond Boeset, all of Dows; honorary grandchildren Sami Tietjens, Cassie Stokes and Haley Krieger; brother Lowell (Karen) Gaulke of Mount Pleasant; sisters-in-law Lill Gaulke and Lucille Dawson; along with numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ardith in 2009, brother Lynn Gaulke and sister Karen Ann Gaulke in her childhood years.