Rudolf “Rudy” Gaugel

April 4, 1932 - July 8, 2024

It is with broken hearts that we share the news of the passing of Rudolf “Rudy” Gaugel.  A loving and dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.  Rudy was born April 4, 1932, in Szombathely Hungary, the son of Karoly and Gizella Gaugel (nee Wukits) and died at his home in St. Charles on July 8, 2024, at the age of 92, holding hands with his dear ones. Rudy was raised in Hungary where he learned his skills in Engineering and tool and die making. He later applied these skills working in the textile industry.  At age 25 during the Hungarian Revolution, he along with his mother and sister, fled Hungary on foot in the dark of night.  They safely reached the Austrian boarder where his mother’s parents met them and took them to their home.  After a brief stay in Austria, they were able to make their way to Chicago where they quickly found work and settled into a new life in America. On October 14, 1967, he married Margaret (nee Hanner) in Winnipeg Manitoba, bringing her back to Chicago where they began their family.  In 1972 with their three children, the family of five moved to St. Charles and have remained in their same home ever since.  Rudy was very active raising three children and serving his community. During his working years, he was employed by Meister Brau, Munsingwear, and Sealy Mattress where he remained for 28 years. At Sealy, he supervised the setting up, maintaining and repairs of machinery, as well as teaching others how to keep the equipment in the mattress building process running smoothly.  His expertise took him to many Sealy locations throughout the United States and internationally to Canada, Europe and Australia. Rudy loved soccer and for many years coached both boys and girls teams in Tri-Cities Soccer.  In his retirement, he took up golfing along with more traveling.  Music was always a big part of his life.  He played piano, accordion and drums, and loved waltzing and polka dancing with Margaret. But his family was the most important to him and was happiest spending time with his children and grandchildren. A man of deep faith, he had been a parishioner at St. Patrick Catholic Church in St. Charles for over 50 years and served as a Eucharistic Minister and faithful volunteer at funeral luncheons. Rudy was preceded in death by his parents Karoly and Gizella.  He is survived by his devoted, ever-loving wife Margaret, his son Karl Gaugel, daughter-in-law Rosalind and their sons Ross and Rudy; his daughter Anna Pettyjohn and son-in-law Erik Pettyjohn and their children Emma Reinmiller (husband Jacob Reinmiller) and David Pettyjohn; and son Steve Gaugel and daughter-in-law Jennifer Fox and their children Elizabeth, Julia, Charlie and Gita. He is also survived by one great grandson James Rudolf. In addition, he is survived by his sister Emmy Bodrogi, many dear in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins, and a wealth of friends throughout the world. Many knew Rudy and loved him, but few will ever forget his sense of humor and his accent, which was a delight to hear. A visitation will be held Friday July 12, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Yurs Funeral Home 1771 West State Street, Geneva, IL 60134. The funeral mass will be Saturday July 13, 2024, at 10:30 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 6N487 Crane Rd. St. Charles IL 60175.  Interment at Prairie Cemetery, St. Charles IL to follow. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation in Rudy’s memory to St. Patrick Catholic Church in St. Charles.  Mass intentions for Rudy are also welcome.Guest BookShareEmailPrint