David L. Gaugler

January 31, 1944 - September 9, 2014

DAVID LESTER GAUGLER, age 70, of Cape Coral, FL, passed away Tuesday, September 9, 2014.

Born January 31, 1944 in Pottstown, PA, he was the fourth and youngest child of the late Leidy Keck and Stella Mae (Ziegler) Gaugler.

David graduated from Pottsgrove High School and Muhlenberg College and served as a SP5 statistician in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After his time in the Army he worked for the Internal Revenue Service and moved to Palo Alto, CA. There, he earned a Masters Degree from Stanford University. David worked for the Internal Revenue Service for 37 years – attaining the position of Assistant Commissioner for Information Systems Field Operations. During his career he also lived in Fresno, CA, Philadelphia, PA, Dallas, TX, Martinsburg, WV, and Washington D.C.

Throughout these years he was happiest travelling the country with his family in their motorhome. David was especially fond of National Parks. He spent most of his time at various beaches collecting seashells, fishing, crabbing, and hiking.

David retired to Cape Coral, FL in 2003 and, not yet done with his travels, immediately began a second career as a tax adviser for the Treasury Department’s Office of Technical Assistance. He travelled extensively to Azerbaijan, China, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Namibia, Botswana, and the Philippines. In 2011, after surviving the terrorist bombing of his hotel in Jakarta in 2009, the Jamaica riots of 2010, and a bout with Dengue Fever, he finally decided to settle down.

David found he was happiest not in travelling the world, but like generations of his family before him, discovered he was simply a farmer at heart. In order to keep himself out of trouble, he and his wife, Sandy, planted extensively and cultivated their property into a tropical fruit orchard and beautiful gardens. Many of his trees produced abundant amounts of mangos, papayas, avocados, and citrus. He waged an epic battle with local raccoons, possums, and wild iguanas – often enlisting the help of several local cats, many of whom still guard the property today. Always a nature lover, he trapped and relocated over 100 wild animals to a nature preserve. When he wasn’t planting and maintaining his orchard he also enjoyed fishing from his backyard dock where he could catch both fresh and saltwater fish while dodging alligators, the occasional manatee, and the ever frustrating airborne mullet.

A soldier, explorer, public servant, perfectionist, business executive, mechanic, politician, teacher, fisherman, and farmer, David had an incredibly fulfilling life. He gave everything of himself and never asked for a thing in return. A remarkable man, he was stubborn and stoic, yet adoring. He loved and protected his family to the very end. His love, support, and guidance will be greatly missed by his family.

David is survived by his wife of 46 years; Sandra A. (Parker) Gaugler; daughter Krista L. Gaugler of Chicago, IL; son David E. “Ted” and wife Jennifer L. Gaugler of Chesapeake, VA, and two grandchildren Connor and McKenna. He is also survived by sister Arlene M. Keller of Pottstown, PA, brother Leidy L. Gaugler and wife Barbara of Pottstown, PA, and his 1967 Chevelle Malibu.

He was preceded in death by his parents and oldest brother, Laverne R. Gaugler, who came to personally guide him to his next adventure in his last moments – although he wanted to stay.

David wanted an informal and casual celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society, Hope Hospice of Cape Coral, or perhaps plant a tree or a flower so he can help it grow.

Funeral arrangements will be jointly arranged by Mullins Memorial Funeral Home of Cape Coral, FL and Schumacher & Benner Funeral Home of Pottstown, PA. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in Highland Memorial Park, Pottstown, PA.

Guestbook

Leave a Comment