Ivan W. Gugeler
Born: January 11th, 1920
Died: March 21st, 2010
Obituary
Ivan W. "Ike" Gugeler, 90, of Burlington, died Sunday, March 21, 2010, at his home. Born January 11, 1920, in Burlington, he was the son of Oscar and Fern Gehring Gugeler. On May 8, 1946, he married Dode Grant in Burlington. Mr. Gugeler was a World War II Army Air Corps veteran, and also served in the reserves where he achieved the rank of captain. He was a lifetime farmer, and was quite proud of his "straight rows". He was a member of Spring Grove United Methodist and Grace United Methodist Churches. Mr. Gugeler's passion was flying. At an early age he built airplanes. He was a decorated pilot of World War II, and was shot down in Italy and presumed dead until he rejoined his flight squadron three weeks later. He built and flew his own airplane that is still in the family today. He also loved motorcycles, attended 34 Raceways to cheer on his son-in-law and grandsons, and loved being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and attending their sports activities. He was a Hawkeye fan and Cardinal fan to the dismay of Dode, who is a Cub fan. He didn't know a stranger. Survivors include his wife, Dode Gugeler of Burlington; four daughters, Connie (Jerry) Johnson, Jan (Roger) Krieger, and Nancy (Rob deSalme) Casady, all of Burlington, and Judy (Terry) Houseal of Danville; one son-in-law, Jim Casady of Burlington; 12 grandchildren, Kim (Jeff) Mabeus, Ron (Pam) Johnson, Andy (Cathy) Krieger, Adam Krieger, Matt Krieger, Brent Casady, Nicole (Bryan) Bliven, and Jason Houseal; eight great-grandchildren, Dylan and Dalton Mabeus, Brenna and Jesse Johnson, Brock and Noah Krieger, Brooke and Jacob Bliven; two brothers, Donald Gugeler (Toni) and Ralph (Marge) Gugeler both of Burlington; and several nieces and nephews. His son, Wayne Gugeler; parents, Oscar and Fern Gugeler; and brother, Howard (Eileen) Gugeler, preceded him in death. Friends may call from noon until 8:00 p.m. today in Lunning Chapel, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. The funeral service for Mr. Gugeler will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 24th, in Lunning Chapel, with the Revs. Laverne Hueholt and David Mixon officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. A memorial has been established for Spring Grove United Methodist Church.