Richard Lee Gauger, 80, Fairbury, died at 10:40pm Monday, June 17, 2013 at Illinois Veterans Home of LaSalle.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm Thursday, June 20, 2013 at the First Presbyterian Church, Fairbury will Pastor Spencer Homan officiating. Inurnment will take place in Avoca Twp. Cemetery, Fairbury at a later date. Full military rites will be accorded by the Fairbury VFW and American Legion posts.

Visitation will be 1:00 to 4:00 pm Thursday also at the church. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is in charge of arrangements. The family suggests memorials be directed to the Richard Lee Gauger memorial fund to be distributed to Richard's favorite foundations.

Mr. Gauger was born January 27, 1933 in Fairbury, IL the son of Elmer and Hazel Wenger Gauger. He married Carolyn Sue Shelby on August 4, 1957. She died on September 30, 2000.

Surviving is one son: Gary (Lori) Gauger, Fairbury; two granddaughters: Shannon (Scott) Peters, Natalie (Jason) Lester; two great grandchildren: Ellyson Peters and Jameson Lester.

He is preceded in death by one sister.

Mr. Gauger was a graduate of Fairbury–Cropsey High School and later earned his Bachelor of Education in Industrial Technology and Master Degree from Illinois State University, Normal. He served as a Professor at Ball State University, San Jose State University and later owned and operated Indian Grove Graphics, Fairbury (1975-1998).

He was a veteran of the Korean War having served in the US Navy.

Mr. Gauger was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Fairbury having served as a deacon and elder. His hobbies included: gardening, stamp and coin collecting, wood working, jewelry making, metal detecting, art collecting, riding motorcycles, arrowhead hunting and traveling. He also was an official track reporter at the Fairbury American Legion Speedway.

Richard will be missed by all who knew and loved him.