Gordon Gausch
Gordon James Gausch, 75, of St. Louis, MO passed away on February 12, 2023 surrounded by loved ones, and listening to a good tune. Gordon was born on July 24th, 1947 in St. Louis to Edward Gausch and Vanita Ottenad. He grew up with a love of music and taught himself to play blues piano by ear. Gordon loved fishing, train sets, and a good Rocky and Bullwinkle stunt. After graduating in 1965 from Roosevelt High School, where he was voted “Best Sense of Humor,” Gordon went on to study Computer Programming at Washington University. He fondly recounted his time as a member of Theta Xi Fraternity and his college friends that he forever held dear to his heart. Gordon met and fell in love with Jane Pfaff. Gordie and Jane wed in 1972 and welcomed daughters Elizabeth (Liz) Ann in 1976, and Stephanie Elaine in 1979. Shortly thereafter, Gordie’s career took the family to San Diego. Gordon’s job brought the family back to St. Louis in the late 1980’s. And, while Gordie worked a lengthy career for companies spanning from Ralston Purina to EDS, his joy in life was having a good time with those he loved.
Gordo rarely met a stranger and was never more comfortable than when he was able to enjoy a good drink and great music with those he loved. Nothing made Gordie happier than becoming a Grandparent. He cherished being able to care for his first grandbabies; so much so, that he put their names on his license plate so they could see him coming and going. His love and pride for his children and grandchildren is forever unwavering. His sense of humor and appreciation of the irreverent will continue to live on with those he loved.
Even in death Gordie thought of others. He chose to donate his body to Washington University Medical School. Gordon was predeceased by his father Edward Gausch, mother Vanita Gausch, and brother Edward “Butch” Gausch. He is survived by his devoted wife of more than 50 years, Jane Gausch, his daughters, Liz Turpin (Jason) and Steph Gausch (Peter Zeitler), and his beloved grandchildren Ava, Wib, Olive, and Lenny. Their endless memories of David Letterman Top Ten Lists, fried bologna sandwiches, math jokes, music, dancing, and “Cheers!” will never be forgotten.
There would never have been enough time with you! We know you are finally at peace, which means you must be tapping your foot and singing “let the good times roll!” If you knew Gordie, you knew what it was to be loved.
Come help us celebrate his life on April 15th from 1pm – 3pm at the Soulard Gamut, located at 1031 Lynch Street, St. Louis. Help us share memories and our love while enjoying refreshments and music- Gordo style.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in Gordon’s name to Independence Center, as everyone deserves to live a healthy, quality life. Independence Center Clubhouse 4245 Forest Park Ave. St. Louis, Missouri 63108 https://independencecenter.org/
What a beautiful tribute. Condolences to all the family.
Gordie and I met Freshman year at WUSTL. The Kappas and Theta Xi built a homecoming display, and that is where our friendship began. There was a large group of us who became fast friends…we were the “groovy group”, and our connections continued after graduated. Gordy and I shared a love of the Blues – he took me to East St. Louis for my first time hearing B B King play at the Blue Note. This was a pretty rough place, but Gordy was well known and welcomed because of his knowledge and love for this music. Some years after we graduated, the groovy group traveled to Paducah, KY for a big housewarming party. Gordy showed up with several Ted Drewes Concretes to share. How he got those frozen treats to that party without them melting was a miracle, but that was Gordy. Once he started working he was the first one of us with a credit card. Feeling “all grown up”, several of us had dinner at Tony’s, one of STL’s fanciest restaurants. Gordy put the dinner tab on his new credit card and we all gave him cash for our dinners. He learned a pretty big lesson when the cash was gone when the bill came due. In hindsight it was funny, and we laughed but it was a lesson we all needed to know. There was only one Gordy in this world. I am so glad I got to call him my friend. RIP beautiful person. You will be missed.
A piece of my heart will forever be missing. I miss your laugh, your inane sense of humor, singing the blues, and a million other things. It’s hard to believe I will never hear your voice calling me snick. I couldn’t think of anything more fitting than writing you your own Top Ten list (or maybe a Top 11 because it was so tough to narrow it down).
Top Ten Reasons You Were The Best Dad (drumroll please, Paul)
11. Because you taught me how to make fried bologna sandwiches so the bologna doesn’t bubble
10. Because you took me to the mall so I could be flung against David letterman’s Velcro walll
9. Because you instructed me on which fork to use and not to put my elbows on the table….because I would never find a husband eating like that 😉
8. Because your terrible advice may have gotten me arrested
7. Because you marveled when I memorized every two letter word (along with all Q words of course) so I could finally beat you at Scrabble
6. Because you introduced me to the blues and a lifelong love of BB & the magic of Lucille
5. Because of the countless times you threw me over your shoulder and pretended I was a sack of potatoes while I giggled uncontrollably
4. Because without you I never would have gotten the privilege of touring every damn in the Midwest….turns out they are all damn loud
3. Because I’m pretty sure every family vacation was cut short as you drove through the night unable to stand the bickering in the backseat for one more moment
2. Because who REALLY needs to be on time?!
1. Because you showed me that I can love unconditionally with my whole heart because you loved me that way. And I felt it in my core
I will miss you always.
I was gifted the blessing of meeting Gordon shortly after his beloved daughter Stephanie adopted me. I was essentially a displaced alley cat, having just lost my father and suspended in heartbreak- not to mention, in a foreign coast, a mile high up.
No one could care better for an alley cat than those two. They stood me up, shoved me in some dancing shoes and took me on a whirlwind survival tour of every eatery and watering hole in the Rockies. Indeed, Taco Bell & $1 PBR cans were included!
Gordon wasn’t the father I lost or able to convince me all love wouldn’t be lost; but, he walked it like he talked it- or strolled it. He gave me candid advice, a strong shoulder to cry on and a Cheshire cat smile forcing me to live for the music, the next dance and the love of friends who become family.
My favorite memories of Gordon can only be shared over a drink and good tune. I will be honored to celebrate him with his generous family.
Gordon, I’ll always have you like a great song playing on my life’s soundtrack, still holding my sometimes wobbly body up groovin’ with your indomitable spirit.
With peace, gratitude, love & respect,
Amanda
Ps.Please accept a round from my parents😉
Gordon, ,you will forever be missed by me. I remember having my 16th Birthday at your house. You and Jane have always been good to me, Crystal and especially Julian.
You played board games with him, bought him his first tackle box and fishing pole. He loved fishing with you. Of course Jane, I couldn’t have made it without you too.
I grew to love caring for your Mom, she actually seemed like a 2nd Mom at times.
Every time you came to the Club, everyone knew that a fun time just walked through the door. I loved you so much, you were so fun and funny. Thank you for blessing my life with your happiness and zest for life. I hope to see you in the future, surrounded by family love. ☮️❤️✨🙏✝️🕊️
Sweetheart, it has been three weeks since left me. Sometimes it feels like I saw your smile and felt your hand in mine a mere minute ago. Other times, it feels like forever. I miss you so much; my soul yearns for you. I feel lost without you here. Life seems strange.. I keep looking for the cardinals at the bird feeder – your favorite bird. And I remember how you used to tell me the female cardinal is so bossy to the other birds. Kind of like I was the last six weeks of your life in trying to make you do the impossible and stay here with us a while longer.
But, I know we will see each other again somewhere down the road because my soul mate, you will never really leave me. I take strength in knowing that “ to live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” You will be in my heart forever.
Gordie Gausch:
Y.I.T.B. of Theta Xi and life.
Best man at our wedding.
Best dancer we ever knew.
Infectious laugh.
Great sideburns.
Admirer of the Fibonacci Series.
Unpredictable.
Enthusiastic piano player.
Fellow traveler to Preservation Hall and New Orleans Fire House.
Good guy.
Missed by family and many more.
We’ll offer a toast in Soulard on April 15th.
What a wonderful tribute to a gentleman who must have enjoyed life to its fullest! I am sorry that I did not have the pleasure of meeting him. He sounds like an incredibly impactful soul! Thank you for considering Independence Center in his memory as we do strive to inspire dignity and belonging for all.
Hey Gordie,
I’m glad that the Snoopy blanket I gave Jane brought you some comfort in your last days, and that you were at home, enjoying your fave snacks, including some soda and Ted Drewes. Charlie and I couldn’t make it in time to say goodbye; I’ll always cherish that last memory, of hearing your laugh over the phone. Jane showed how much she loved you with everything she did, and I know you really appreciated that, and that you, Jane, Liz, Steph and your family were all together when the time came to say goodbye. You were happy to be home. That’s the way it should be.
When I think of you, so many memories come rushing back. You wore cool glasses and drove that cute little car when you dated and fell in love with my sister. You were a Leo (like me,) so how could you not be cool? And you always made those funny remarks, which endeared you to all of us. Like Jane, you were so smart and knew everything I didn’t about math, playing chess, and (later) that puzzling monster called a “computer.” I remember being impressed that you were a “college man,” the first I had ever met, yet you were never a snob. You remained a South Sider at heart, and that’s probably what made you fit right in with our family. I remember that Jane used to make you a grilled cheese sandwich (with mustard) sometimes when you brought her home after a date, and that you liked old movies, the Marx Brothers and W.C. Fields as much as Charlie and I did. Another fun memory I have is when I went with you two to see Joan Baez at an outdoor concert at SIU one summer night; to be included was a privilege. How musically talented you always were, and how well you could play the piano! Fun times!
I’m so grateful that you became my brother-in-law that rainy September night back in 1972. As your Maid of Honor, I remember how happy you and Jane were that evening and how magical your wedding was at the DeMenil Mansion. Even the unexpected rain seemed happy to welcome you into our family. Charlie was the wedding photographer and he’ll always remember your wedding, too. So many bits and pieces of how you fit into our lives over the years. Helping take care of your Mom – from whom I think you got your sense of humor. And who could forget all of our family celebrations and holidays (always lots of food and desserts). I remember Liz and Stephie being born, and how thrilled you and Jane were – and again, when they both married and had their babies. The love you had for your family. How much you and Jane loved each other, a love that survives time.
So many happy times and memories – you’ll always be here, Gordie. I know you’re looking after Jane and the kids, and that you’ll see all of them – and all of us – again.
Here’s looking at you, kid.
This is such a beautiful tribute, Jane. Thinking of you and your family. Love, Jen
I feel so bad for u i know his grand kids olive and she is amazing imagine what he was like this is a great family 😢😭