Current Gaul News Page 2

Editors Note: I want to share with our family the depth of my love and my appreciation for the life of my wonderful Uncle, Ivo Gaul. He inspired me in so many ways, to care for others, to share life as it is given and face the future with courage. Below is my feeble attempt to express how I have felt, over many years, about this wonderful man. It is in the form of a letter sent to my dear cousin (and Ivo's daughter), Judy Gaul in 2003. Dear Judy, The smile seemed to penetrate the obvious expressions, the warm words of welcome and expected gestures, in what seemed to be an every day greeting. But there was more, much more than the felt warmth of gathering with friends and others. There was the sense of suddenly feeling very warm and loved and secure. I could not describe it, but it was very emotional and physically felt. I knew for certain that in that moment, in the presence of this man, I was safe. No harm would come to me or anyone in the presence of this powerful, sensitive and nurturing person. I could actually feel his presence, as the pace of my heart slowed and my mind relaxed and started to wander to the other very few times I felt this way. How could being in the presence of one person create such a memorable feeling? As his little girl, you know. Just being around his magnetic and down to earth personality seemed somehow to bring closure to the stress of the day and hope for the next. His insightful summary of the events that seemed to swallow us without even tasting the flavor of our sweat was so remarkable. I have often thought of your Daddy. God, how I loved him too! And I thought of you and your brother, and of the loss you have felt. It is a loss I can never even imagine. You had that wonderful man for so many moments that I could not even envision losing him. My heart, in depths that I was never fully aware of until this moment, goes out to you and your family. I can now feel how much you have lost. The loss of a Daddy I could never see, never have to hold me or feel warm and safe in his presence, in my search of imagining what he was to be like, is far more bearable than to have known what you know – to have felt what you felt, in seeing you in his eyes. As I close this letter and this life, I want you to know that I share the precious memory of his smile, his strong, warm handshake, his laughter, his genuine concern and tremendous compassion, his dignity and demeanor and his humor. But more than these, the felt love that he showered upon everyone he touched. The heart of this man became a part of everyone in his presence. I could never feel unloved when I was near him. And I knew this, without giving any thought to it. Thank you for sharing your Daddy with me for the brief time we were together. That time is worth all the world to me too. Moments like those, with you and your Father, have kept me alive to share time with our precious children. After all the deeply heartfelt memories and feelings of gratitude, the depth of which I can never really express, I feel that his life was like a love song – the music of this life. And it keeps playing. As I wake up each morning, I know Ivo is never really far away. My reason for living is the compassion he shared in his day and it is here in my heart and in my mind to stay. His life, his heart and the love he so willingly gave, in so many ways, to so many others, abides with me. All my love to you and your family, William Anderson
News from the nephew of Peter Gaul, Don Croghan's, daughter: Hello Peter! My mom, Kathie, sent me your email about getting my husbands info for your records! The name is Matthew Eugene Russell. Birthday is January 6, 1983 Matthew was born in California. His parents are Michael Eugene Russell and Nancy Colleen Roberts Also, Ethan was born in Pella, Iowa! I have attached his birth announcement for you as well!! happy holidays! ~~Tracy, Matt and Ethan!

We will never forget the man who taught us that the best way to say "I love you" often has little to do with the words.
80th Birthday Celebration for Betty Gaul. Betty Gaul marked her 80th birthday on December 13 with an open house on Sunday, December 10th at Elmcrest in Harlan between 1PM and 4PM. Cake and coffee were served along with conversations and congratulations. A Card Shower was organized by her daughter Judy. You may extend best wishes to her at this address: Betty Gaul 2106 12TH ST Apt 3C HARLAN IA 515372069 Telephone: 712-235-3011 Editor's Note: My thanks to Judy for keeping us informed about Betty. I also thank her for hitting me in the face with a snowball numerous times when I was much younger (about 12). Coming from Texas, I didn't even know what snow was. It turned into a totally unfair fight and I now have serious psychological maladies as a result. However, my wife, LeVonna, keeps telling me to stop blaming others for my numerous (and still growing) psycho-whatever symptoms. But Judy has always been a good sport and one day I will get even. The next ice age is due any moment and I've been practicing with cow pies in the back yard.
It was nice to here from Sandy. Here is her message. Dewie and Mavis Gaul celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at home with their children and some grandchildren. The family feasted on Sioux City specialties, Elfredo's pizza and Tastee Inn and Out onion chips and dip and taverns as well as cooking by the daughters. We conversed much and laughed good-naturedly at photos from the last 50 years. We especially appreciated hearing from all the "folk" who participated in the card shower, and a special album has been designated to preserve your well wishes. Chris and Nick Gaul of Denver, Colo., received the award (in name only) for the most cards sent. (We especially liked the cool super hero stamps.) Thanks again to all who helped make this occasion special. Sandy (Dewie, John, Nicholas) – I think that's right
We were glad to hear from Gene. Here is his e-mail. Dear Doctor William, Glad you've taken up the cause. I still have all of Cousin Peter's Gaul Newsletters. I got married to Peggy Galitz on July 22, 2006. We live in Walnut Iowa. Sincerely, Gene (John, Verner, Gene)
Remembering Roman Gaul Click here to view in adobe reader.
Dear Family members: We have received notice that Roman Gaul passed away peacefully at 2:40am Thursday, October 19, 2006. He had not been conscious for the previous 24 hours, and his breathing had slowly faded as the day went on. In the end, it was a struggle free passing, and for that, many prayers have been answered.

This is from Irene Goetzinger - Joe Dear Family Members, Information on Sister Rita's Funeral- The funeral will be held Wed. Oct. 11th Wake service at 10am Dinner 11:30am-11:45am Followed by the Rosary Funeral at 1:30 Burial will follow immediately after the funeral in Campbellsport ,Wisconsin IRENE GOETZINGER Goetzinger, Irene IRENE HAS MORE INFO ,AS SHE IS IN TOUCH WITH THE HOME IN CAMPBELLSPORT ,WI. I AM PASSING IT ALONG AS I GET IT. I PLACED IRENE'S ADDRESS HERE IF YOU WANT TO GET IN TOUCH. BUT SHE WILL BE LEAVING SHORTLY. MORE AS WE GET IT LOVE JOE & LIL ----- Original Message ----- From: Lil & Joe Gaul To: Irene Goetzinger Sent: Saturday, October 07, 2006 12:43 PM
From the Hudson, WI newspaper - Joe HUDSON -- Two women died early Friday afternoon when their compact car crossed the median on westbound I-94 about a half-mile east Exit 2 (Carmichael Road) and was struck by an eastbound vehicle. Trooper Bill Traynor of the Wisconsin State Patrol said three others were injured in the crash. No details were available on their conditions or where they were taken. At least one person was airlifted from the crash scene to Regions Hospital in St. Paul. Names of the victims aren't expected to be released until early Saturday, pending notification of relatives. The crash happened at about 12:54 p.m. Friday. Authorities closed eastbound I-94 between Carmichael Road and Hwy. 35 (Exit 3) for about an hour while the injured were being removed from the scene. Heavy traffic coming out of the Twin Cities was rerouted north on Carmichael Road, then east on County UU to Hwy. 12, and back to I-94. St. Croix EMS and the Hudson Fire Department were dispatched to the scene. A helicopter ambulance landed on the freeway to pick up one of the injured parties. More information on the crash will be posted as it becomes available.
From: Lil & Joe Gaul Sent: Friday, October 06, 2006 7:48 PM Subject: Re Sister Rita Hello all; I have bad news. We just got word that Sister Rita and three other nuns were in a car accident. Sister Rita and one of the nuns were killed and the other two are in critical condition. We are waiting for a call back from Irene Gotzinger to find out what happened and who was driving. Rita had just moved to the home in Campbellsport, Wisconsin about six weeks ago. She was so happy about the move . Sorry that I don't know more details at this time but will let you know more when we find out. Love Joe & Lil PS I go in the hospital next Tuesday and the operation is at 7:30 am Will keep you up on that to.

Editors Note:

I want to share with our family the depth of my love and my appreciation for the life of my wonderful Uncle, Ivo Gaul. He inspired me in so many ways, to care for others, to share life as it is given and face the future with courage. Below is my feeble attempt to express how I have felt, over many years, about this wonderful man. It is in the form of a letter sent to my dear cousin (and Ivo's daughter), Judy Gaul in 2003.

Dear Judy,

The smile seemed to penetrate the obvious expressions, the warm words of welcome and expected gestures, in what seemed to be an every day greeting. But there was more, much more than the felt warmth of gathering with friends and others. There was the sense of suddenly feeling very warm and loved and secure. I could not describe it, but it was very emotional and physically felt.

I knew for certain that in that moment, in the presence of this man, I was safe. No harm would come to me or anyone in the presence of this powerful, sensitive and nurturing person. I could actually feel his presence, as the pace of my heart slowed and my mind relaxed and started to wander to the other very few times I felt this way. How could being in the presence of one person create such a memorable feeling?

As his little girl, you know. Just being around his magnetic and down to earth personality seemed somehow to bring closure to the stress of the day and hope for the next. His insightful summary of the events that seemed to swallow us without even tasting the flavor of our sweat was so remarkable.

I have often thought of your Daddy. God, how I loved him too! And I thought of you and your brother, and of the loss you have felt. It is a loss I can never even imagine. You had that wonderful man for so many moments that I could not even envision losing him.

My heart, in depths that I was never fully aware of until this moment, goes out to you and your family. I can now feel how much you have lost. The loss of a Daddy I could never see, never have to hold me or feel warm and safe in his presence, in my search of imagining what he was to be like, is far more bearable than to have known what you know – to have felt what you felt, in seeing you in his eyes.

As I close this letter and this life, I want you to know that I share the precious memory of his smile, his strong, warm handshake, his laughter, his genuine concern and tremendous compassion, his dignity and demeanor and his humor. But more than these, the felt love that he showered upon everyone he touched. The heart of this man became a part of everyone in his presence. I could never feel unloved when I was near him. And I knew this, without giving any thought to it.

Thank you for sharing your Daddy with me for the brief time we were together. That time is worth all the world to me too. Moments like those, with you and your Father, have kept me alive to share time with our precious children.

After all the deeply heartfelt memories and feelings of gratitude, the depth of which I can never really express, I feel that his life was like a love song – the music of this life. And it keeps playing.

As I wake up each morning, I know Ivo is never really far away. My reason for living is the compassion he shared in his day and it is here in my heart and in my mind to stay. His life, his heart and the love he so willingly gave, in so many ways, to so many others, abides with me.

All my love to you and your family,

William Anderson

News from the nephew of Peter Gaul, Don Croghan's, daughter:

Hello Peter!
My mom, Kathie, sent me your email about getting my husbands info for your records!

The name is Matthew Eugene Russell.
Birthday is January 6, 1983

Matthew was born in California. His parents are Michael Eugene Russell and Nancy Colleen Roberts

Also, Ethan was born in Pella, Iowa! I have attached his birth announcement for you as well!!
happy holidays!

~~Tracy, Matt and Ethan!

Ethan Russell

We will never forget the man
who taught us that the best way
to say "I love you"
often has little to do
with the words.

80th Birthday Celebration for Betty Gaul.

Betty Gaul marked her 80th birthday on December 13 with an open house on Sunday, December 10th at Elmcrest in Harlan between 1PM and 4PM. Cake and coffee were served along with conversations and congratulations.

A Card Shower was organized by her daughter Judy. You may extend best wishes to her at this address:

Betty Gaul
2106 12TH ST
Apt 3C
HARLAN IA 515372069 Telephone: 712-235-3011

Editor's Note: My thanks to Judy for keeping us informed about Betty. I also thank her for hitting me in the face with a snowball numerous times when I was much younger (about 12). Coming from Texas, I didn't even know what snow was. It turned into a totally unfair fight and I now have serious psychological maladies as a result. However, my wife, LeVonna, keeps telling me to stop blaming others for my numerous (and still growing) psycho-whatever symptoms. But Judy has always been a good sport and one day I will get even. The next ice age is due any moment and I've been practicing with cow pies in the back yard.

It was nice to here from Sandy. Here is her message.

Dewie and Mavis Gaul celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at home with their children and some grandchildren. The family feasted on Sioux City specialties, Elfredo's pizza and Tastee Inn and Out onion chips and dip and taverns as well as cooking by the daughters. We conversed much and laughed good-naturedly at photos from the last 50 years.

We especially appreciated hearing from all the "folk" who participated in the card shower, and a special album has been designated to preserve your well wishes. Chris and Nick Gaul of Denver, Colo., received the award (in name only) for the most cards sent. (We especially liked the cool super hero stamps.)

Thanks again to all who helped make this occasion special.

Sandy (Dewie, John, Nicholas) – I think that's right

We were glad to hear from Gene. Here is his e-mail.

Dear Doctor William,

Glad you've taken up the cause. I still have all of Cousin Peter's Gaul Newsletters. I got married to Peggy Galitz on July 22, 2006. We live in Walnut Iowa.

Sincerely,

Gene (John, Verner, Gene)

Remembering Roman Gaul

Click here to view in adobe reader.

Dear Family members:

We have received notice that Roman Gaul passed away peacefully at 2:40am Thursday, October 19, 2006. He had not been conscious for the previous 24 hours, and his breathing had slowly faded as the day went on.

In the end, it was a struggle free passing, and for that, many prayers have been answered.

This is from Irene Goetzinger - Joe

Dear Family Members,

Information on Sister Rita's Funeral-

The funeral will be held Wed. Oct. 11th

Wake service at 10am

Dinner 11:30am-11:45am

Followed by the Rosary

Funeral at 1:30

Burial will follow immediately after the funeral

in Campbellsport ,Wisconsin

IRENE GOETZINGER

Goetzinger, Irene

IRENE HAS MORE INFO ,AS SHE IS IN TOUCH WITH THE HOME IN CAMPBELLSPORT ,WI.

I AM PASSING IT ALONG AS I GET IT. I PLACED IRENE'S ADDRESS HERE IF YOU WANT TO GET IN TOUCH. BUT SHE WILL BE LEAVING SHORTLY. MORE AS WE GET IT

LOVE JOE & LIL

----- Original Message -----

From: Lil & Joe Gaul

To: Irene Goetzinger

Sent: Saturday, October 07, 2006 12:43 PM

From the Hudson, WI newspaper - Joe

HUDSON -- Two women died early Friday afternoon when their compact car crossed the median on westbound I-94 about a half-mile east Exit 2 (Carmichael Road) and was struck by an eastbound vehicle.

Trooper Bill Traynor of the Wisconsin State Patrol said three others were injured in the crash. No details were available on their conditions or where they were taken.

At least one person was airlifted from the crash scene to Regions Hospital in St. Paul.

Names of the victims aren't expected to be released until early Saturday, pending notification of relatives.

The crash happened at about 12:54 p.m. Friday.

Authorities closed eastbound I-94 between Carmichael Road and Hwy. 35 (Exit 3) for about an hour while the injured were being removed from the scene. Heavy traffic coming out of the Twin Cities was rerouted north on Carmichael Road, then east on County UU to Hwy. 12, and back to I-94.

St. Croix EMS and the Hudson Fire Department were dispatched to the scene. A helicopter ambulance landed on the freeway to pick up one of the injured parties.

More information on the crash will be posted as it becomes available.

From: Lil & Joe Gaul

Sent: Friday, October 06, 2006 7:48 PM

Subject: Re Sister Rita

Hello all;

I have bad news. We just got word that Sister Rita and three other nuns were in a car accident. Sister Rita and one of the nuns were killed and the other two are in critical condition. We are waiting for a call back from Irene Gotzinger to find out what happened and who was driving. Rita had just moved to the home in Campbellsport, Wisconsin about six weeks ago. She was so happy about the move . Sorry that I don't know more details at this time but will let you know more when we find out.

Love Joe & Lil

PS I go in the hospital next Tuesday and the operation is at 7:30 am Will keep you up on that to.