Richard Gaulke

Richard (Dick) Gaulke of Yakima passed away in the early morning hours in his home on Monday, June 23rd, 2014. He was born July 9th, 1932 in Albertville, Minnesota to Frank and Frieda Gaulke. He attended DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Richard served in the United States Army from 1953 – 1955. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Masters of Social Work. Richard married Rita Justesen on September 8th, 1956. He joined the United States Public Health Service in 1963. In 1964, his family moved to Gallup New Mexico. After three years, the family relocated to Yakima, Washington, where he worked for the Indian Health Clinic in Toppenish. He enjoyed a 23 year career until his retirement in 1991. Richard loved bird watching, fly fishing, cribbage, jogging, eating limburger cheese, working on his computer, and being involved with Special Olympics. He enjoyed camping trips with his family and especially passing along his camping skills to his grandchildren. He assisted with many soccer programs in Yakima, and was a long time referee. He was a die-hard fan of the West Valley Rams, the Seattle Mariners and the Minnesota Vikings. Richard is survived by his wife Rita Gaulke; his children, Steve (Cindy) Gaulke, Jerry (Amy) Gaulke, Tom (Dawn) Gaulke, Bob (Polly) Gaulke, Lisa (Mike) Moreside, Mike (Carol) Gaulke, Dan (Jennifer) Gaulke; his beloved niece Pat (Rick) Mallonee; 17 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings. The family is grateful for the loving and professional care given to Richard by his caregivers Gloria and Breanna, Mountainview Home Health and Memorial Hospice. In lieu of gifts, donations may be made to Special Olympics of Washington. The family is planning a private memorial service. Online tributes can be shared at www.valleyhillsfh.com. Valley Hills Funeral Home in Yakima is in care of the arrangements. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard Gaulke, please visit our flower store.