Gwendolyn Kay "Gwen" Gauerke (Hoyord)

Gwendolyn Kay Gauerke, 57, of Iola, with family by her side, entered the loving arms of her Savior on November 26, 2021 after a courageous battle with ALS.

Gwen was born on March 21, 1964, in Iola, Wisconsin, to Thomas and Ann (Sorenson) Hoyord. She was baptized into faith at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Amherst Junction and later confirmed at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Iola. She attended Iola-Scandinavia High School, Bethany Lutheran College, Concordia University-St. Paul, UWSP, and National College of Chiropractic where she received her Doctor of Chiropractic degree. She married Thomas Gauerke on July 22, 1989, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waupaca. Together they had four beautiful children.

Gwen was a loving wife and mother who was able to maintain a chiropractic practice at home while being a stay-at-home mom. She devoted much of her time to her children and their activities. Gwen was a natural athlete, problem solver, and artist, as well as a devout Christian who committed her time to teaching Sunday School and coordinating children’s Christmas programs at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Iola. Her favorite seasons were Advent and baseball. Gwen had a passion for natural health and was a gifted chiropractor, always listening and looking to get to the root cause of a patient’s problem and restore them to health. She helped many family and friends. She also enjoyed baking, bird watching, sporting events, listening to Christian radio, staying physically active, continuing her education, and spending time with her husband and children. Her lifelong commitment to continuing her education led to many family getaways to cities throughout the U.S. She will forever be remembered by her graciousness and beautiful smile that never left her face, even in her last days.

Gwen is survived by her husband of 32 years, Tom; children, Zach (Sam) Gauerke, Natalie (Alex Meyerhofer) Gauerke, Angela Gauerke, and Liza Gauerke; parents, Tom and Ann Hoyord; brothers, Matt (Tammy) Hoyord, Mark (Pam) Hoyord, Tim (Denise) Hoyord, Chad (Deanna) Hoyord, Charlie (Heather) Hoyord, Tony (Jamaica) Hoyord, Jay (Kristen) Hoyord, Mike (Erika) Hoyord, and Luke (Dow) Hoyord; sisters, Brenda (Paul) Gard, Susan (Jon) Loken, and Katie (Jake) Emmerich; father-in-law and mother-in-law Eugene and Elvira Gauerke; brother-in-laws Dan (Cathy) Gauerke, Tim (Kathy) Gauerke, Nathan (Sara) Gauerke; sister-in-law Cathy (Scott Henry). She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

A Christian Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, December 3, 2021, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 6205 Alderson Street, Weston, WI 54476. Pastor Lance Hoelscher will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Interment will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Iola, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be directed to the family.

Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.bestefh.com.