C.J. Gauger, 101, of Ames, passed away April 26, 2015 at Green Hills Health Care Center.

C.J. was a good man, and he believed a good life included service to others. He looked for the best in people, and helped them to see and bring it out in themselves, and in the world. We who love him, and whose lives were made better by time spent with him, will carry on his good work in our lives now.

Carlyle J. Gauger was born March 6, 1914 to Albert W. and Lydia (Schwieger) Gauger in McGregor, IA. He graduated from high school in Holstein, IA. C.J. completed a Bachelor of Science and a Masters Degree in Ag Education at Iowa State University, where FarmHouse Fraternity was an important part of his college experience, as well as his life. While at ISU, C.J. met Dorothy Clark at the college library. Study dates turned to marriage on August 23, 1940 at Iowa State’s formal gardens. Dorothy was his beloved bride for almost 66 years until she passed away in 2006. During WWII, C.J. served in the Army as an aviation engineer.

For over 20 years, C.J. was the State 4-H and Youth Leader for the ISU Extension Service. It was work he loved, and through which he thrived, as did so many of the people with whom he worked and who he inspired. He retired from ISU in 1979 and continued to work, first at the University of Missouri (1979-81) as the Director of Resource Development, then for International FarmHouse Fraternity (1982-85) as the Director of Expansion. C.J. was a member of Collegiate United Methodist Church in Ames and served on local and state committees for the Methodist Church. He was also a FRIEND of Ceres Fraternity. The chairman of the ISU Athletic Council for a time, C.J. remained a loyal Cyclone fan throughout his life.

C.J. had immense love for each and all of us in his family. He also offered wise counsel when we sought his clear, practical yet creative thinking and long-term view. He is survived by three daughters, Barbara Gauger of Ames, Jan (Gary) Richards of San Jose, CA, and Jean (Hiram Rogers) Gauger of Knoxville, TN; five grandchildren, Ben Gauger, Elizabeth Gauger, Amelia (Gabriel) Fierro-Fine, Anne (John) Tornatore-Pili and Matt Richards; and his daughter-in-law, Charlotte Cleavenger Gauger, of Ames.

He was preceded in death by his son, Don Gauger, and his wife, Dorothy Gauger.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Iowa 4-H Foundation (see their website), the C.J. and Dorothy Gauger Endowment Fund at the FarmHouse Foundation (7306 NW Tiffany Springs Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64153), or the charity of your choice.

C.J. touched so many lives and we are the better for it.

Carlyle J Gauger