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Ron Gauper
RON GAUPER
Cedar Rapids
Ron Gauper, financial planner, golfer and beloved father, died Monday, Aug. 18, 2014, at home in Cedar Rapids. He was 97.
Ronald Richard Gauper was born Dec. 13, 1916, in Minneapolis, Minn. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout, attended the University of Minnesota and took a job at Investors Syndicate. In 1940, he married Gloria Fae Steinmetz. Soon, they had two daughters, Nancy and Bonnie. During World War II, he served as pilot instructor in the U.S. Army Air Forces. After the war, he worked as district manager for Gambles, moving to Watertown, S.D., then Iowa City. He and Gloria had three more children, Lynn, Rick and Beth.
Ron loved to spend time outdoors, fishing, boating and hunting for deer and pheasant. He loved road trips and converted an old school bus into a camper for family vacations.
In 1961, Ron's beloved Gloria died after a long illness, and in 1963, he married Elva Stanley Kundert. In 1968, he moved with Elva and Beth to Cedar Rapids, where he became a financial planner. He and Elva joined Lovely Lane United Methodist Church and Elmcrest Country Club, where they won many golf tournaments.
In his later years, Ron gained in precision what he lost in power, amazing younger golfers with his ability to hit the ball straight down the fairway. He loved golf and played until he was 93. He learned to use a computer at 94 and continued annual fishing trips to his daughter Bonnie's home in Canada. Ron was an independent thinker whose clear-eyed view of the world and sly sense of humor delighted those who knew him.
He will be sorely missed by his children on whom he lavished affection and hugs. They are Nancy Freeman, Arvada, Colo., Bonnie Minnick, Pinawa, Manitoba, Lynn VanHorne, Longwood, Fla., Rick Gauper, Wheat Ridge, Colo., and Beth Gauper, Minneapolis. He also is survived by his wife, Elva, Lakewood, Colo.; his sister, Joyce Findell, Austin, Texas; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
In accordance with their father's wishes, his children will celebrate his life privately.
Condolences may be sent to www.iowacremation.com.
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