Howard Dean Gauger

Howard Dean Gauger was born Dec. 27, 1932, south of Wauneta, Nebraska, to Mary (McBride) and Christy Gauger.  
He attended grade school at the Eden school through the eighth grade, then continued his education in Wauneta where he graduated from Wauneta High School in 1950.  
After graduation, Howard began a farming career on the farm south of Wauneta where he was born.  He later moved into Wauneta in 1995. Howard enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was a member of the Wauneta Gun Club where he won many trophies.  
In 1956, Howard killed the first buck in Chase County with a bow and arrow after the first opening deer season in Nebraska. Howard also enjoyed woodworking, going to auctions and helping care for the Eden Cemetery.
He especially loved spending time with his family, including his nieces, Kathy and Terri, and nephew, Rick, who he thought of as his own children.  
Howard passed away Saturday, July 24, 2021, at his home in Wauneta.  He was 88 years of age.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Christy and Mary Gauger; and his brother-in-law, Lawrence Sexson.
Survivors include his sister, Thelma Sexson of Farnam; nieces and nephews: Rick (wife Kelley) Sexson of Wellfleet, Kathy (husband Cameron) Martin of McCook, Terri (husband Mike) Sullivan of Wallace; great-nieces and nephews: Justin (Aly) Sexson, Jessica (Caleb) Nutt, Shawn (Kim) Sullivan, Heather (Brad) Slaymaker, Jared Sullivan; and 10 great-great nieces and nephews.
Graveside inurnment services will be held Thursday, July 29 at 10 a.m. (MT) at Riverside Cemetery, Wauneta, with Rev. Lloyd Bley officiating.
A memorial has been suggested to the Gauger family for a future designation.
Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com. Liewer Funeral Home of Wauneta is entrusted with arrangements.