Joseph Woodrow Woody Gauen

Joseph Woodrow ""Woody"" Gauen, age 72 of Avon Park, Florida. A longtime Ridgway resident, died at his home surrounded by his family on Sunday, February 10, 2013. Woody was born in Ridgway, IL on March 6, 1940. He attended St. Joseph Grade School and Ridgway High School before graduating Southern Illinois University with a Bachelors Degree. Woody served his country in the United States Army and after the service became a successful Accountant before retiring. He was a member of the St. Kateri Catholic Church in Ridgway, the Ridgway American Legion as well as other organizations over the years. Woody enjoyed all sports and especially loved to play golf. He was a very kind and thoughtful man who liked to socialize with his friends. He was a good father, brother, son, grandfather and friend and will be missed.

Woody is survived by 2 sons, Timothy Bruce (Patricia) Gauen of Western Springs, IL and Thomas Brian (Marcella) Gauen of Naperville, IL. Grandchildren, Mitchell Gauen, Benjamin Gauen, Christopher Kostella, Meghan Gauen, Kelsey Gauen and Jack Gauen. Sister, Francee Pruett of Ridgway and a brother John Tom Gauen of Phoenix, AZ. Nephew, Chris Pruett and 2 nieces Holly and Lauren Pruett. Woody is also survived by his loving companion, Anne Ellis. He was preceded in death by Tyler and Frankie (Bahl) Gauen.

Visitation for Woody will be on Friday, February 15, 2013 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Cox & Son Funeral Home in Ridgway where a prayer service will start at 5:00 PM. A funeral mass for Woody will be on Saturday February 16, 2013 at 10:30 AM at the St. Mary's Chapel in Shawneetown. Fr. Steven Beatty will celebrate Mass and interment will follow in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Ridgway with military rites.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the building fund of the new St. Kateri Church in his memory. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.