| Graduation Year | Class of 1961 |
| Date of Passing | Aug 03, 2013 |
| About | Jerome Edwin Gugel, 69, of Eau Claire, passed away peacefully at home Aug. 3, 2013, with his loving wife, Karen, at his side. Jerome, "Barney", was born in Ouzinkie, Alaska. on Nov 16, 1943, to Gerald and Sara Gugel. He and his sister, Donna, were raised in rural Menomonie by Aunt Margaret and husband Russell Jacobson following the death of their mother. Russell and Margaret owned a farm where they also raised two daughters, Bernice and Roberta. Barney helped with the farm and worked on other neighboring farms while attending school in Menomonie. He was active in 4-H and enjoyed hunting with Russell when time permitted. He graduated from Menomonie High School in 1961 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy. While in the service, he met Karen Miller at China Lake Naval Base in California. They returned to Wisconsin, where they were married at Little Elk Creek Church on June 18, 1965. They raised two children, David and Tess, in the Elk Lake area. Most family time was spent in the outdoors, fishing, hunting and traveling. Barney's other passions included joke telling, Packers football, discussing politics, pool playing and panning for gold. Barney worked for the Wisconsin Bell Telephone Company for 25 years. He took early retirement following a heart attack in 1990. While retired, he spent a good share of his time with family and friends from Hayward, fishing at the family cottage on Smith Lake and hunting nearby. During this time, he invented a popular ice fishing rig, commonly named the Barney Pole. His heart condition caused other health issues, which made it difficult to maintain his friendships. But most people will remember him with a smile, when they recall his great sense of humor and his unique way of telling a story. Jerome was survived by his wife Karen; daughter Tess; sister Donna (Ray); half-brother Gerald (Kris) Gugel Jr.; sisters Bernice (Scotty) Sutliff and Roberta (Leonard) Clark. He was preceded in death by Russell and Margret Jacobson; Gerald and Sara Gugel; and son, David. Memorial services will take place at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, at Shepherd of Hill Lutheran Church (207 University Street, Elk Mound). Pastor Mike Wollman will officiate. Military honors will be rendered by American Legion Post #53 at the church following the memorial service. Memorial visitation will take place at the church on Saturday from 2 p.m. until the time of service. There will be a gathering of friends and family at Dell's Elk Lake Tavern (10500 Cameron St. in rural Eau Claire) following the funeral luncheon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Jerome's name to the Veteran Community Center (10534 S. Main Street, Hayward, WI 54843). Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.fullerspeckienhulke.com. Fuller Speckien Hulke Funeral Home (3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701) is assisting the family with the arrangements. |
