Obituary of Joseph Gauder

Joe Gauder (January 20, 1936 - October 13, 2020) It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Uncle, brother and friend Joe Gauder. Joe passed away peacefully at the Douglas Memorial Hospital in Fort Erie at the age of 84. In keeping with Joe’s desire, he remained at home to deal with the health complications of his kidney cancer up until his final days before being transferred to hospital. Despite the physical challenges of his declining health, Joe remained sharp, engaged and well connected with family and friends. Joe was preceded in death by his mother Elisabeth, his father Franz and his three brothers Peter, Sepp and Frank. Joe is survived by his beloved friend Anne Hanf, his sister Marianne Szijarto and sister-in-laws Lilo Gauder and Rosa Gauder and many nieces and nephews who will always remember him as the supportive “cool” uncle they were always excited to see. Joe, the youngest of five siblings, was born into a German farming community located in what at the time had recently become Yugoslavia. Subsequent war years caused the displacement of the family, who eventually settled in southern Germany. There Joe discovered his love of sport playing soccer and earned his trade as a tool and die maker. Joe immigrated to Canada in 1956 joining family in the Niagara Peninsula. Joe applied his skills at Fleet Aircraft in Fort Erie where he worked until his retirement. In retirement Joe spent winters in Stuart, Florida – fulfilling his email tag to “never-c-snow”. In Canada Joe remained a keen sportsman and when not participating he would be watching, following and supporting others in these activities. He became an enthusiastic golfer who was always up for competition whether it was on the course, the soccer pitch or at the card table with friends. Joe was always extremely supportive and helpful to his friends and family located in Fort Erie and throughout the greater Niagara region, southern Ontario, Town Park in Florida and southern Germany. Joe, you made a significant and lasting impact on us all – you are loved and greatly missed! Thank you to Dave MacDonald, his family, Joe’s friends and those with Niagara Health and HNHB LHIN whose care and support allowed Joe to spend his convalescence at home. Joe’s wish was to have his ashes spread at the family cottage near Rosseau Ontario where he enjoyed many beautiful summer days with friends and family. We plan to have a celebration of life for Joe in Fort Erie in late spring, circumstances permitting. Online condolences are available at www.bennerfuneralservices.ca