Paul LeRoy Gugeler, 96, of Mt. Pleasant, transitioned to his heavenly home on April 19, 2023. He was born on September 29, 1926, in Des Moines, Iowa, the youngest of three. Preceding him in death are parents, Roy & Althea, step father, Donald Bucklew, his wife of 69 years, Gloria (Ginger), and his sister, Doris Ziegler & Mike. He always remained close to his brother, Donald & Helen, who currently reside in Templeton, California.
Paul served in the Army Air Corps in WW II as a crew chief before attended Iowa State, earning a degree in Agriculture. He began his career by teaching Agronomy while farming, followed by farm management and sales. His early farm management experience helped as he managed family farms close to Spencer and Mason City, Iowa.
A highlight of college was having his brother set him up on a blind date with Gloria Ginger, and marrying her soon after their graduations in 1951. They were blessed to be married almost 69 years, before her death in 2020. It brings joy to Paul’s family knowing they are reunited. Paul and Gloria had three children, ten grandchildren, and 28 great grandchildren. Surviving are James Gugeler & Rebecca, of Springville, Iowa, Joan Stambaugh & Alan, of Wichita, Kansas, and daughter-in-law, Tressia Cain & Paul, of Wylie, Texas. Preceding him in death is son, Thomas, of Dallas Texas. Grandchildren are Christopher Gugeler & Rebecca, of Euless, Texas, Molly & John McKune, of Fremont, California, Alissa & Jefferson Hunt, of Mt. Vernon, Iowa, Jamie & Spencer Jardine, of Pocatello, Idaho, Matthew Stambaugh, of Lawrence, Kansas, Amber & Austin Rounds, of Rexburg, Idaho, Sarah & Kyle Neufeld, of Moundridge, Kansas, Danielle & Cory Sessions, of Orem, Utah, Nathan Stambaugh, of Manhattan, Kansas, and Heather & John Schliemann, of Springville, Iowa.
The brother bond between Paul and Don continued through the years, despite the California to Iowa distance. There were multiple trips back and forth, whether as a family of five or after retirement. Paul & Gloria and Don & Helen enjoyed traveling together throughout the U.S. and abroad. Paul recently shared memories of snow skiing with family in Colorado, introducing his children and grandchildren to his favorite sport. Paul’s adventurous spirt made for many fun family outings, highlights being sailing, parasailing, rides on his motorcycle, and even flying an ultralight, although this was a solo act. When at home, he took meticulous care of the beautiful roses, both at home and church.
Friends were numerous through his involvement in Kiwanis, Romeo (Retired Old Men Eating Out), singing, sharing his gift of music in the church choir and barbershop quartet, and always looking for opportunities to dance. While Paul had a zest for life, he was usually soft-spoken and reserved, with the occasional witty remark bringing chuckles to all.
He commented frequently that his goal was to live longer than his mother who lived to 107, even while fighting cancer. His acknowledgement that he looked forward to seeing his beloved Gloria brings great peace to his family.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be at 2:00 on April 26th at the First United Methodist Church, 309 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. The Reverend David Bracht-Wagner will officiate. A visitation will immediately follow the service in the church’s Fellowship Hall. Friends may pay their respects and sign the register book from 12-7 PM on Tuesday at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant. The memorial service will be livestreamed on the First United Methodist Church YouTube channel.
Thanks to Everystep Hospice and those who cared for him for all their loving care. Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to First United Methodist Church of Mt. Pleasant (www.firstmethodistonline.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) , in memory of Paul’s wife, Gloria. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.