Kristine C. Gauger, of Greenfield, WI, passed away on October 11, 2026, at the age of 84. She is survived by her children Milena (Brian) Deckow and Christopher Masarik; grandchildren Charles (Kalia Geiger) Deckow, Nina Deckow, Sarah (Alejandro) Saynes (nee Ziarek), Scott, Jace and Sam Ziarek; great-grandson Julian Saynes; niece Gwyn (James) Hovey and nephew Chad (Leigh) Gauger; and her great-nieces and nephews Samare and Nolan Hovey, and Max Gauger.

Kit had a large family tree, and will be remembered by her many half-siblings, cousins, and dear friends.

Born in Appleton, WI, on October 31, 1941, to Harold and Evelyn Gauger, Kit went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Social Work from UW-Milwaukee. Many may know her from her work at the VA, where she was a social worker for over 20 years.

After retiring from the VA, she went into the Peace Corps and lived in Romania for 2 years. She made a network of close friends there, many of whom moved to England. She stayed close in spirit and travelled often to visit. Upon her return she did not find solace in retirement, and worked again as a social worker at Froedtert, where she would stay for 8 years.

Kit was an adventurous person with passions for reading, world travel, wine, and her cats. She will be fondly remembered by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

A celebration of life will be held in Kit’s honor at a later date.