Gerald Joseph (“Tuffy”) Gaier
Gerald Joseph (“Tuffy”) Gaier
Gerald Joseph (“Tuffy”) Gaier, 93, of Black River Falls died Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at the Black River Memorial Hospital. He was born Jan. 6, 1930, in Colby, WI, the son of Charles and Regina (Bloomer) Gaier. He married his beloved wife, Betty Amundson, Oct. 13, 1951, at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Black River Falls. Tuffy and Betty were able to celebrate 67 wonderful years together.
Tuffy graduated from eighth grade from the Kurth School in Clark County, WI, in 1944. Instead of attending the city high school in Neillsville, WI, Tuffy immediately went to work for his father doing different construction work and building concrete silos. Tuffy worked at many different jobs throughout his life before coming back to work at Gaier Construction in the late 1960s in partnership with his brother, Harold (“Duffy”) Gaier. Tuffy later purchased the business and became the sole owner in 1975. Tuffy’s work was his passion, and he loved serving his customers and caring for his employees.
Tuffy joined the Wisconsin National Guard in 1947 and served until 1949, when he was struck with polio. In 1952, he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany working in military intelligence. He was honorably discharged in 1956. Being called to serve was a great source of pride for Tuffy and developed in him a deep love of his country.
Tuffy is survived by three sons, James (Brenda) Gaier, John (Karen) Gaier and Joseph (Melissa) Gaier. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He’s also survived by his twin brother, Harold (Duffy) Gaier. Tuffy is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty; one sister, Charlotte (Hake) Gaier; and brothers LaVerne Gaier and Jerome Gaier.
Tuffy enjoyed reading newspapers and magazines, flying his plane, collecting old cars and other old collectibles, driving in parades to advertise his company and going out to area restaurants and dances with Betty. Tuffy loved his work, and he loved helping others with anything they needed. He loved life, and he always looked for the best in everyone. He will be missed by all.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial donations be made to either the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Black River Falls or Calvary Lutheran Church in Neillsville where Tuffy and Betty spent time in worship.
Funeral services for Tuffy will take place Thursday, May 18, 2023, at the Black River Falls Evangelical Lutheran Church at 3 p.m. Pastor Jenny Hatleli will officiate. Friends and family are invited to visitation from 12 p.m. until time of services.
The Torgerson’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, 715-284-4321.