Phyllis (Casper) Gauger

“As she journeyed through life, she left footprints – of kindness and love, courage and compassion, joy and faith. Now that she is gone, the trail she left behind continues to comfort and inspire us.”

On the afternoon of June 7, 2021, Phyllis JoAnn Gauger passed away with “her girls” and her Heavenly Father by her side. She was 88 years old – born February 10, 1933, to the late Hazel and Phillip Casper of Appleton, Wisconsin. She was a life – long member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Appleton. Phyllis graduated from Appleton High School in 1951.

She enjoyed baking, embroidery and was an excellent seamstress, constructing many beautiful outfits for herself and for her two daughters. Music was also of interest, playing both the piano and the cornet. She was an active accompanist for choir and individual vocalists. After graduation, she worked as a secretary for Fox River Paper Corporation.

She met her future husband, Ray E. Gauger of Oshkosh at a Walther League Lutheran camp retreat. They were united in marriage May 16, 1953. They were then stationed at Westover Air Force Base, during Ray’s Navy enlistment. After this, they moved back to Appleton, where Phyllis secured a position as the Office Manager and radio personality at WAPL Radio. Referred to as “Fabulous Phyl”, she made frequent promotional appearances, commercials, and was featured in numerous broadcasts. She left the station in 1959 to devote time to raising a family and showering them with love and attention.

Phyllis is survived by her daughters: Wanda Gauger of Appleton and Jennifer (Gauger) Hahnemann of Appleton; cherished only grandchild Alicia (Hahnemann) Wolfert and her husband Nicholas Wolfert.

The visitation will be held on Thursday June 10, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, located at 129 South Mason Street in Appleton. The Christian Funeral Service for Phyllis will follow at 7:00 PM. Interment will take place on Friday June 11, at 12:30 PM at Appleton Highland Memorial Park. She will be laid to rest next to her loving husband and parents.