For Father's Day...A Tribute to My Great Dad, Paul Gauger

I miss my wonderful Dad and I think of him and all he did for me throughout my life every year on Father's Day. On honor of him and to share what a great man he was, I am posting this poem I wrote and sent to him 31 years ago for Father's Day.

“The Special Man God Gave To Me As Dad”
(Written for Father’s Day June 1978 by Daughter, Linda Gauger Clark)

Before my life on this earth began,
I can imagine myself wanting the Heavenly plan
To come to earthly parents, for I could probably see,
What a special place God had just for me.

I know He must have known and sensed my eager call,
To be one of “daddy’s little girls” to that handsome man, Paul,
And that hope long fulfilled has always made me glad
Knowing the special man God gave to me as Dad.

I joined the Gauger family as baby number three
And really gave a good shake to our family tree.
For, even when I toddled, I refused maternal changing,
And thought “Daddy do it” was the best thing I could be arranging.
That young, I sensed the patience of eternity he had,
I began to love the special man God gave to me as Dad.

When storm clouds would send their claps of thunder,
I ran to his comforting arms and huddled under.
Yet, I’d hold the flashlight when I grew taller,
Behind my Dad at night, hunting night crawlers!
Soon those kinds of things didn’t seem so very bad,
I learned to trust the special man God gave to me as Dad.

The occasion of the Daddy-Daughter dates while still in Primary
Were fun for Dad and me, and a little scary?
For I remember telling everyone that not even Fred Astaire
Could match up to my Daddy, he was the best dancer there!
And as I danced on top of Daddy’s shoes, as was the fad,
I was proud of that special man God gave to me as Dad.

Dressed in uniform, complete with neckerchief and a smile,
He was the strength of those mountains he’d take his scouts hiking a mile.
He’d use his summer vacation to teach his Boy Scouts well,
To hunt, to fish and cook ‘round the campfires of Maple Dell.
But when he’d have to leave me home and I was a little sad,
I realized how unselfish he was, the man God gave to me as Dad.

Always working hard, a builder with nail and tack,
He fashioned with much love our camper, the Wicky-Wac.
Bright and early, we could hardly wait to get out of the garage
To get to Huntington fishing and a visit to Curley’s lodge.
Not only did I learn to fish and make the pot-guts mad,
I learned to love God’s creations from the man He gave to me as Dad.

Through my growing years, the times I needed someone there
To attend piano recitals, or give approval when I cut my hair,
He was always there…to chat as we would walk,
I could always see his beaming face when I gave a 2 ½ minute talk.
When I’d lay in bed, I could utter a weak command
For the blessings of the Priesthood, through my Dad’s strong hands.

I remember feeling so proud when I finally turned eight
Because my Dad baptized and confirmed me, it was great!
And my testimony grew, such faith in God I had
Because I learned the gospel from that special man, my Dad.

When grown, I always wanted someone for my mate,
Who had these qualities I’ve written about, that God chose to create
In that wonderful man, my Father, who raised me with such care.
I’ve always felt so lucky to have found one to compare.
I’ll always remember the words he said when Dale asked for my hand,
“If you love her half as much as I, then yes, I’ll understand.”

Yes, the strength of a mountain, the comforting arm of night,
The unselfish service given, teaching everyone what is right.
The patience of eternity, sensing a family need,
Being such a great Grandfather to each new little seed.
One can see why I love him and why I’m so glad
To have this special man God gave to me as Dad!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, DAD! I LOVE YOU!

Grandma Bennett's Special Pal

Our family has been blessed with a special sister, Julie Davis, who was born with cerebral palsy. She has never been able to walk, and has not been blessed to enjoy the education, travel, physical activities and joys of marriage and children like we have. Julie was the third child of Marcelene’s first marriage, born in November 1942. The Christ-like love and attention given to Julie by our mother has been and will always serve as an example to me, an example that I have yet to fully emulate. Julie was a special friend of mine as I grew up in American Fork because we shared the basement of our house, with bedrooms on either side. She shared her love for music with me and music has become a favorite hobby of mine. The following image of Julie when she was seven years old was taken from the Salt Lake Tribune, Sunday, March 13, 1949. Julie was the poster child that year for Easter Seals. Julie has lived for the past several years at the Heritage care facility in American Fork, Utah. Heritage is the old American Fork Hospital and is operated by friends of our family. Julie recently reminded me with a bit of boasting that she is now the resident who has lived the longest at Heritage. After living for several years under Mother's watchful eyes, Julie has viewed her stay at Heritage as finally "gaining her independence" and living on her own. This comfort and acceptance of who she is and where she must live has been a blessing to our family.

Katie and I recently visited Julie and she shared some of her memories of Grandma and Grandpa Bennett. Talking of these special people brightened her countenance and put a smile on her face. Julie did not remember much of Grandpa Bennett for he died when Julie as just three years old. Her first recollection of Grandma Bennett was that Grandma called Julie her "special pal."

Julie remembered that Grandma Bennett stayed for an extended time at our Aunt Elaine's home in Midvale, and that our mother, Marcelene, would take turns with her sister, Elaine, in staying with Grandma. Julie would often go with Mom when she would visit or care for Grandma in Midvale. Julie described that Grandma's bed was placed inside the front room of Aunt Elaine's house so that Grandma could see outside and could see all visitors that came to the house. Julie remembered one day Aunt Elaine called Mom to tell her that Grandma was too sick for Mom to come up and watch her. The next day, October 14, 1955, Grandma Bennett died. Julie was 13 years old at the time.

Julie also has vivid memories of Grandma Bennett dressing up as Santa Claus, and Santa visiting her as a little girl. This account of Grandma as Santa Clause is described in detail in another post to this blog.

Julie reminded me of a special story about Grandma and Grandpa Bennett. I have also referenced a personal history of Grandpa Bennett to add details to the story.

From the time that John was able to work in his youth, he worked at the Knight Woolen Mills in Provo, Utah. He carried on this profession after his marriage and on toward the end of his life when he retired. While he worked at the Woolen Mills in Provo, many times his children would take his lunch to him. The children loved to take his lunch to him but they were afraid of the big whistle at the mill that blew every day at noon. After delivering his lunch, John would take them by the hand and walk with them down past the whistle so they would not be afraid. Sometimes they would take their lunch too and eat with their father. This was a treat for the children. They would all sit on the big piles of wool and eat with John.

On July 30, 1918, the Provo Woolen Mills caught on fire. When Mary heard about the fire, she was washing. She ran down to the Woolen Mills in her housedress. Many people came to watch the fire and it had been roped off all around the grounds. Mary couldn’t see John outside, so she tried to get by the firemen, but they would not let her in. Mary said she was going in anyway. She told them her husband John was deaf and could not hear the alarm and would still be working. She told the guard that she was going in, but the guard said she couldn’t go past the rope. She straightened up, her black eyes flashing, and slipped under the rope. When the guard tried to stop her, she said “I mean what I say. I am going in after my husband!” She was right when she said he did not know about the fire. He saw people running past him, but did not pay any attention to them until someone touched him and told him the mill was on fire.

He was the last to come out. When he saw Mary and she saw him, they threw their arms around each other and they both cried. They were always a very loving and devoted couple.

John Bell and Mary Bennett

Some of Linda's Memories of Grandpa and Grandma Gauger

I loved going with our family in the Buick to Iowa to visit Grandpa and Grandma Gauger. I remember Paulene and I would get new burmuda short outfits to wear! We spent 2 or 3 days traveling on the road…yes, all three of us Gauger kids in the back seat…I don’t recall fighting or complaining. The comic books that Paulene mentioned were great…we would trade off when we read them, besides Little LuLu we would have the Archie’s, too. Mom always had her cross word puzzle book and I loved helping her. I would always have a book to read from the library, too. I can still see my Mother’s arm relaxed on the back of the front seat and the arthritis beginning in her hands. She would get so mad at Dad because he was a risk taker when he passed slower vehicles and many times we would make it back in the correct lane just in time. When we would get tired, Dennis would sprawl out on the floor of the car to sleep. I loved eating in restaurants (nothing has changed there!) and would always order first, knowing just what I wanted. The Burma Shaves were fun…and Dad would always add a few he would make up that were funnier and more colorful and Mom would say…”Oh,Goggy!” I loved to watch the rows of corn fields go by, they were so uniformed. Coming into New Hampton, we would always look for the big water tower. I can still hear the tea kettle “singing” on their stove and Grandma Gauger with her apron on and Grandpa Gauger with his pipe. When it would thunder and lightning there, the clouds looked to me like a big ocean, they went right to the ground, as did the big streaks of lightening. I was terribly afraid of storms anyway and with no mountains, I didn’t feel safe when those storms came. Grandpa and Grandma Gauger’s yard had plenty of places to explore and play hide and seek. Even though Grandma didn’t smile much, she had a proud little smirk that eventually turned into a smile and laughter when Dad and Grandpa and Uncle Ralph, Dad’s brother, would tell their fun and colorful stories. And she could tell a few herself!

I remember the trip I took with Paulene and Dave from Connecticut – Maryland – through Iowa – to Utah! We traveled in their station wagon and Jef, Paul, Audrey, and Rikki all rode in the back. Alisa was just small and it was a hot, humid summer back East. Stopping at Grandma’s was a wonderful time…she was so amazed they we were all traveling together and loved seeing all the great grandkids. She was tickled that they were so astonished at the lightening bugs…my Jef was a little afraid of them.

When Dale and I moved from Maryland, we stopped and stayed overnight with Aunt Rosella and Uncle Ralph. When we got into town, we headed straight to Grandma Gauger’s to see her. She was very pleased that we stopped there first and was glad to see us and to meet Dale. Aunt Rosella told me later that I sure knew my Grandma and how she bragged that she got the first visit! I didn’t realize that I haven’t talked that much about my Gauger Grandparents. I will have to do more because I love them and I have these fond memories that will keep them close in my heart.

Below is a picture taken July 4, 1954 at our first Highland, Utah home. It must have been a "girls" shot. L to R: Grandma Gauger holding me; Aunt Rosella, Dad's brother Ralph's wife; Mother; Julie and Paulene in front.

Paulene's Memories of Grandma and Grandpa Gauger

I have been thinking of my Grandmother and Grandfather Gauger for a couple of weeks. I have looked at their photos and feel much tenderness and sweetness towards them.

I do not personally remember their trip to Utah that Dennis talked about, but know that Dad and Mother loved having them here to visit. Dad and Mom would remind us whenever we were riding in the mountains in American Fork Canyon that Grandma and Grandpa were in awe of the mountains and even frightened of the heights when they were on the Alpine loop road. This made an impression on me and to this day, I think of my Grandparents when on the loop road and look at the heights and expanse of the mountains and usually relate to whoever is in the car of my Gauger Grandparents experience.

The road trips to Iowa are some of my favorite childhood memories. There were no freeways and so the roads were two lane roads and to a child seemed endlessly long. Dennis spoke of the games that we would play. My Dad and Mother used to laugh and laugh at the Burma Shave signs. I remember looking forward to stopping at the gas station. The three of us always bought a comic book. We each bought a different kind and then would trade with each other. My favorite was Little LuLu and I believe that they cost 5 or 10 cents each.

I loved Grandma and Grandpa’s home and neighborhood. The Kool-aid water, the smell of pipe tobacco as we would enter on the side door of their house, and the large trees that lined the street are just a few of my pleasant memories. My Dad was always so happy and full of laughter on our visits to Iowa. He was home among friends and family.

My special memory of Grandma includes a letter and a visit in 1977. I do not remember Grandma smiling very much. I have a number of pictures of Grandma and only one of them is smiling. I sensed that she loved me, but didn’t ever want her to get mad at me. I sent her cards at Christmas and would include photos of my two little girls. She answered me with a personal letter on Dec. 26, 1975. I must have told her that David had graduated from BYU and that we were moving to California to work for GTE. This is part of her response:

“Well, I bet your folks will miss you and your little girls. I will never forget when my son Paul left out for Utah. I miss him just terrible and now when he isn’t feeling good. I wish that he could feel better. I guess that is the way it goes to all of us. The young will leave the nest to fly where their work is. Take care, Paulene, you have all my love and your little girls. One looks just like you did when we were out to American Fork one time when your folks lived out on the place where they had all those peach trees and in the mountains. I liked it there. I still have a box of stones which the boys picked up on the mountain. . . . . . All my love to you, Grandma. “

This letter gave me great insight to my Grandmother and I fell in love with her and as I read it again now I feel great empathy and love for her. On a trip to Utah from Connecticut, via a stop in Maryland to pick Linda up, Me, David, Linda, and our combined five kids (in one car) stopped to visit Grandma in Iowa. She was warm and happy to see us. We were happy to see her and it was the last time that I saw her. There is a special bond between a granddaughter and a Grandmother. I look forward to seeing her and Grandpa when we all gather again.

Paul and Ralph Gauger Photos

Ralph and Paul Gauger, Thanksgiving 1941

Do not know the dates or ages of this photo

Paul and Ralph approx. ages 9 and 3.

After your post Dennis I started looking for photos of Dad , Ralph, and their parents. I did not have any different than what you had posted. I did find these three of the two brothers, but need help with dates and ages of the middle photo. I always thought Dad was tall, dark and handsome. The photo of Thanksgiving certainly proves my belief.

Paul, Ralph and Grandma Gauger

Some of the kids were over to our house yesterday to celebrate Jenny's husband Jake's birthday. We had a good time going through some pictures, and I found this one showing Dad's brother Ralph, his mother Minnie and Dad. As I recall, this picture was taken in Arizona when Grandma, Ralph and Rosella came out to visit Arvid (Ralph and Rosella's oldest son) and his family. Mom and Dad went to Arizona to visit with them all. This is one of the few pictures I have of Dad, Ralph and Grandma together in their later years.

Dennis' Recollections of Grandma and Grandpa Bennett

John Bell and Mary Elizabeth Hustler Bennett

My grandfather, John Bell Bennett, was born October 11, 1872 in Payson, Utah. He died February 28, 1946, well before my birth. I therfore never got to know him, but rely only on stories of him (primarily from my Mother, Marcelene) and family photos. John was deaf, and as a result was limited in the employment he was able to get. The depression of the 1920's was particularly difficult on John and his ability to support his family. As I understand it, Grandpa Bennett was a loyal, hard worker and worked in a lumber yard in Provo, Utah.

Grandpa Bennett loved to go the the silent pictures when they first came out because they had subtitles written so that he could better understand what was going on in the movie. He was very disappointed later in life when the silent pictures were eventually replaced with "talkies" and the written sub titles were eliminated.

John and Mary had six children, my mother Marcelene being the fifth and the oldest of two girls. Left to right front: Marcelene, Grandpa, Elaine, Grandma, Stan

Left to right back: Les, Clarence (Johnny), Lynn

Left to right front: Elain, Grandma, Grandpa and Marcelene Back left to right: Stan, Les, Lynn and Johnny

Raising a family of six children was difficult enough, but with a husband who was deaf, Grandma Bennett relied on her patience, love and understanding. These traits were characteristic of her and I especially noted them in my mother, Marcelene. My mother often commented that although her Dad was deaf, the children loved him and learned to communicate freely with him. Grandma and Grandpa were faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

The only personal recollection I have of Grandma is a brief and vague one, when I was three and one half years old. Grandma’s last days were spent at the home of Elaine, her youngest daughter, in Midvale, Utah. Again, an example of the love and caring that Grandma instilled in her daughters. I remember visiting Grandma at Aunt Elaine’s home and that she was bed ridden and weak. She died shortly after this visit on October 14, 1955.

Grandma is best remembered for her charity – see the article posted below of her dressing as Santa Claus and serving the children of her neighborhood.

I did not know my Bennett grandparents, but I know the faith in God, service, love of family and other Christ-like traits that my Mother possessed came from these wonderful individuals. They must also have had a great sense of humor, despite hardships in their lives, for each of their children had personalities and senses of humor that made them fun to be around. Mother always made it a point of visiting her brothers and sister and this became a blessing to me as I grew to know personally and enjoy being with my Bennett uncles and aunt.