Jean Ann Gauerke

Jean Gauerke ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Brettschneider-Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel & Crematory - Appleton on Mar. 17, 2026.Jean Ann Gauerke, age 62, of Appleton, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16, 2026, after a brief courageous battle with cancer. She was born on August 24, 1963, to Lloyd and Lois (Radtke) Gauerke. Jean was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and belonged to the Faith and Light religion group. Jean went through special education classes in public schools and in 1983 graduated from Appleton East High School. She worked at Valley Packaging doing various jobs and joined the Special Olympics Program participating in Field and Track and bowling. Jean also sang in the VSA choir for the disabled.Jeans' journey in life had its obstacles, but she dealt with all, never complaining, even when a rare cancer became too much. Her pain is now gone and she's at peace. Jean had a great smile and will be missed.Jean is survived by her parents, Lloyd and Lois; brother Mike Gauerke; aunts: LaVerne Schuh and Lila Hackbarth; uncle Dennis (Georgiana) Gauerke; and many cousins. She is preceded in death by grandparents Gerhardt and Lillian Gauerke and Ralph and Margaret Radtke; and uncles Walter Hackbarth and Leonard (Jackie) Gauerke.A funeral service for Jean will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at BRETTSCHNEIDER TRETTIN NICKEL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 606 N Oneida Street, Appleton with Brother Ray Stadmeyer officiating. Friends may visit from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service.Thank you to everyone involved with Jean's care, especially Hailey and Cherry Meadows for your compassion in her final days.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.