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Covid-19 took away our father, Anthony Gauthier (Menominee/ Ho-Chunk) in a matter of 22 days. From the very 1st symptoms on Veterans Day (November 11th) to his hospital visit for a Covid Test on his 78th Birthday (November 13th) a week later being rushed to the ICU in an ambulance and placed on oxygen (November 20th) fluid had already filled his lungs, another week and a half later (December 2nd) he would be gone forever. Overcoming a blood infection, but ultimately succumbing to the irreversible effects of Pneumonia (fluid in lungs caused by Covid) he fought so hard to make a comeback. He had no previous underlying conditions besides his age. His battle with this horrifying virus would be his last on this earth and devastate us permanently.
Photo by Sandra Gauthier Wescott.
Artist Anthony Gauthier @ the Art Garage in Green Bay, WI.
In the last few days of his illness he was able to complete a living will and specify his wishes for a Veteran's Funeral Service including Military Rites. This was not his time to leave the world. Continuing to fulfill his last requests is a heartbreaking task for us children. We humbly ask for support as we seek financial assistance to pay for his service which is to be held on December 12th, and thereafter his cremation. Sadly, his Funeral Insurance Policy has not been honored due to a "Pandemic Clause". We cannot collect his remains until the bill is paid in full.
Anthony Gauthier Paratrooper, U.S. Army
Please see what you can spare during these uncertain times to make sure a proper and respectful service is conducted for our father. He was a respected Native Elder in the community who was known for his incredible talent as an Artist and for his service in the Army and as a Paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division. His talents were even recognized during his service by becoming a cook for the troops and muralist for higher ranking Officers.
Anthony's 101st Airborne Division Unit
(3rd row from bottom, last on right)
As a retired grandfather, he enjoyed showing his artwork locally, as well as teaching and spending time with his grandkids. In fact, he helped his youngest son, Courtney Gauthier a single working father, take care of them. This was what was important to him, and this was his bubble - his son, 3 live-in grandkids, and his companion of 20+ years. He followed CDC Guidelines and Protocols, wore a mask religiously, and was a lifetime, diligent hand washer... yet he still caught the Coronavirus.
Original Art by Anthony Gauthier
Now there are unexpected bills and costs that are left for my brother to handle alone in the aftermath. One of the last projects my dad was working on was a new roof for his home. As a family working together, the home improvement was almost completed before the Winter snow. Even sick, Anthony was attempting to finish, pushing a wheelbarrow full of shingles with limited breathing capabilities. This must now be finished before severe damage is done to the house. There is no longer childcare or a babysitter to help balance work and school schedules. And after an exhaustive search for benefits, funds, tribal assistance and paperwork, we are left with a $8,515 bill from the funeral home.
Unfinished Roofing Project @ our Wittenberg House.
Any contributions would be used to settle this bitter and crushing debt, literally keep a roof over his grandchildrens' heads, and keep the lights on. The additional $1,485, after the $8,515 funeral bill, will be used to keep this family afloat, cover household bills and fix the house. A few generous individuals have already given food cards to help out in the interim.
3 of Anthony's live-in Grandchildren who he helped raise and care for.
We must now figure out how to survive without Dad, which is heart-crushing. My dad was not one to ask for help or charity, but we are desperately in need. This is our first #GoFundMe and hopefully it will be the last fundraiser we will ever have to do. Please consider donating whatever you can afford to our cause, or at the very least share the link to this page via email or social media.
The Obituary 4 Our Father
Anthony Gauthier, 78, of Wittenberg, died on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at ThedaCare Medical Center, in Shawano, Wisconsin.
Anthony was born on November 13, 1942 on the Menominee reservation of Keshena. He was the son of Peter and Adeline (Decorah) Gauthier. He was Ho-Chunk and enrolled with the Menominee Nation. Anthony was a United States Army veteran, serving in the 101st Airborne Division.
Anthony's education includes the Art Institute of San Francisco, Madison Area Technical College, Highlands University of New Mexico and was a graduate of the Institute of American Indian Arts (I.A.I.A.) in Santa Fe, NM. He was a nationally recognized artist and created works of art including wooden horse sculptures, paintings and jewelry. Two of his murals can be seen at both the Keshena High School and as a part of the "Walls of Wittenberg" located in downtown Wittenberg. Anthony worked primarily as an artist but was also employed by the Menominee Casino for some time. Anthony loved dancing to live Native bands at the casino and enjoyed listening to country western music. He loved spending time with his family and especially the time spent with his grandchildren.
Anthony is survived by his former wife, Sally Ingram; his companion, Geraldine Jones; he is preceded in death by his brother and sisters; Corrine 'Toots' (Gauthier) Menore; Pansy Gauthier; John 'Gunn' Gauthier and is survived by Joann Baker and a half sister Rosie 'Gunn' Madosh. He has four children, Joseph (Eugene Duprey) Gauthier of Bayview, Tim John of West Allis, Amber Gauthier of New Mexico and Courtney Gauthier of Wittenberg; five grandchildren, Kalani Gauthier, Logan Gauthier, Aria Gauthier, Tala Trujillo and Alexis John; and one great granddaughter, Minna Mae Fish.
A public walk through visitation will be held from 10AM until 12NOON on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg where social distancing will be practiced and masks will be required. Military rites will be held at 12NOON in the funeral home parking lot. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com
https://www.schmidtschulta.com/obituaries/Anthony-Gauthier?obId=19179106#/obituaryInfo
Photo by Joann Guzman
Anthony chose to forego our Native American Traditional 4 Day Ceremony, so as not to unnecessarily expose more people to Covid-19. That being said, here are the details for the short socially distanced service (of which 2 of my brothers Courtney and Joe have planned) for family and friends, in order to pay their last respects this Saturday. There will be NO Memorial Service Reception or any type of gathering directly following the funeral.
Funeral for Anthony Gauthier
Saturday, December 12, 2020
A public walk through visitation will be held from 10AM until 12NOON on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg where social distancing will be practiced and masks will be required. Military rites will be held at 12NOON in the funeral home parking lot.
Visitation/ Service (Masks Required)
10:00AM - 12:00PM
Military Rites (Outdoors)
12:00PM
Address:
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home
401 W College Ave
Wittenberg, WI 54499
For more info. visit https://www.schmidtschulta.com
#GauthierFuneral
#NativeArtists #AnthonyGauthier #Funeral #PeyoteReligion #HoChunk #Menominee #Warrior #JourneyHome #EndCovid #covid_19 #MaskUp #SociallyDistance
"A Warrior on His Journey" by Anthony Gauthier © 2020, Ink on Paper. https://www.facebook.com/tonygauthier.com1
This is Anthony Gauthier's last drawing, done just 2 nights before he passed, completed on November 30th, 2020. It sums up where he was in his journey, while given forced oxygen through a mask and being heavily sedated. Dad was still able to communicate through art. Every single breath was a painful struggle. His body gave out before his spirit. Despite last minute writings and improved lung capacity, he did not recover. All we have now are memories, his love in our hearts, his legacy of artistic talent, and each other.
Gratitude is sent to all the healthcare workers who did everything in their power, while respecting my dad's wishes, to save his life. I'm grateful to them and for all the encouragement, prayers, positive energy sent our way in the last several days by everyone.
Pinagigi,
The Gauthier Family
Photo by Sandra Gauthier Wescott. Artist Anthony Gauthier @ the Art Garage in Green Bay, WI.
In the last few days of his illness he was able to complete a living will and specify his wishes for a Veteran's Funeral Service including Military Rites. This was not his time to leave the world. Continuing to fulfill his last requests is a heartbreaking task for us children. We humbly ask for support as we seek financial assistance to pay for his service which is to be held on December 12th, and thereafter his cremation. Sadly, his Funeral Insurance Policy has not been honored due to a "Pandemic Clause". We cannot collect his remains until the bill is paid in full.
Anthony Gauthier Paratrooper, U.S. ArmyPlease see what you can spare during these uncertain times to make sure a proper and respectful service is conducted for our father. He was a respected Native Elder in the community who was known for his incredible talent as an Artist and for his service in the Army and as a Paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division. His talents were even recognized during his service by becoming a cook for the troops and muralist for higher ranking Officers.
Anthony's 101st Airborne Division Unit(3rd row from bottom, last on right)
As a retired grandfather, he enjoyed showing his artwork locally, as well as teaching and spending time with his grandkids. In fact, he helped his youngest son, Courtney Gauthier a single working father, take care of them. This was what was important to him, and this was his bubble - his son, 3 live-in grandkids, and his companion of 20+ years. He followed CDC Guidelines and Protocols, wore a mask religiously, and was a lifetime, diligent hand washer... yet he still caught the Coronavirus.
Original Art by Anthony GauthierNow there are unexpected bills and costs that are left for my brother to handle alone in the aftermath. One of the last projects my dad was working on was a new roof for his home. As a family working together, the home improvement was almost completed before the Winter snow. Even sick, Anthony was attempting to finish, pushing a wheelbarrow full of shingles with limited breathing capabilities. This must now be finished before severe damage is done to the house. There is no longer childcare or a babysitter to help balance work and school schedules. And after an exhaustive search for benefits, funds, tribal assistance and paperwork, we are left with a $8,515 bill from the funeral home.
Unfinished Roofing Project @ our Wittenberg House.Any contributions would be used to settle this bitter and crushing debt, literally keep a roof over his grandchildrens' heads, and keep the lights on. The additional $1,485, after the $8,515 funeral bill, will be used to keep this family afloat, cover household bills and fix the house. A few generous individuals have already given food cards to help out in the interim.
3 of Anthony's live-in Grandchildren who he helped raise and care for.We must now figure out how to survive without Dad, which is heart-crushing. My dad was not one to ask for help or charity, but we are desperately in need. This is our first #GoFundMe and hopefully it will be the last fundraiser we will ever have to do. Please consider donating whatever you can afford to our cause, or at the very least share the link to this page via email or social media.
The Obituary 4 Our Father
Anthony Gauthier, 78, of Wittenberg, died on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at ThedaCare Medical Center, in Shawano, Wisconsin.
Anthony was born on November 13, 1942 on the Menominee reservation of Keshena. He was the son of Peter and Adeline (Decorah) Gauthier. He was Ho-Chunk and enrolled with the Menominee Nation. Anthony was a United States Army veteran, serving in the 101st Airborne Division.
Anthony's education includes the Art Institute of San Francisco, Madison Area Technical College, Highlands University of New Mexico and was a graduate of the Institute of American Indian Arts (I.A.I.A.) in Santa Fe, NM. He was a nationally recognized artist and created works of art including wooden horse sculptures, paintings and jewelry. Two of his murals can be seen at both the Keshena High School and as a part of the "Walls of Wittenberg" located in downtown Wittenberg. Anthony worked primarily as an artist but was also employed by the Menominee Casino for some time. Anthony loved dancing to live Native bands at the casino and enjoyed listening to country western music. He loved spending time with his family and especially the time spent with his grandchildren.
Anthony is survived by his former wife, Sally Ingram; his companion, Geraldine Jones; he is preceded in death by his brother and sisters; Corrine 'Toots' (Gauthier) Menore; Pansy Gauthier; John 'Gunn' Gauthier and is survived by Joann Baker and a half sister Rosie 'Gunn' Madosh. He has four children, Joseph (Eugene Duprey) Gauthier of Bayview, Tim John of West Allis, Amber Gauthier of New Mexico and Courtney Gauthier of Wittenberg; five grandchildren, Kalani Gauthier, Logan Gauthier, Aria Gauthier, Tala Trujillo and Alexis John; and one great granddaughter, Minna Mae Fish.
A public walk through visitation will be held from 10AM until 12NOON on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg where social distancing will be practiced and masks will be required. Military rites will be held at 12NOON in the funeral home parking lot. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com
https://www.schmidtschulta.com/obituaries/Anthony-Gauthier?obId=19179106#/obituaryInfo
Photo by Joann GuzmanAnthony chose to forego our Native American Traditional 4 Day Ceremony, so as not to unnecessarily expose more people to Covid-19. That being said, here are the details for the short socially distanced service (of which 2 of my brothers Courtney and Joe have planned) for family and friends, in order to pay their last respects this Saturday. There will be NO Memorial Service Reception or any type of gathering directly following the funeral.
Funeral for Anthony Gauthier
Saturday, December 12, 2020
A public walk through visitation will be held from 10AM until 12NOON on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg where social distancing will be practiced and masks will be required. Military rites will be held at 12NOON in the funeral home parking lot.
Visitation/ Service (Masks Required)
10:00AM - 12:00PM
Military Rites (Outdoors)
12:00PM
Address:
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home
401 W College Ave
Wittenberg, WI 54499
For more info. visit https://www.schmidtschulta.com
#GauthierFuneral
#NativeArtists #AnthonyGauthier #Funeral #PeyoteReligion #HoChunk #Menominee #Warrior #JourneyHome #EndCovid #covid_19 #MaskUp #SociallyDistance
"A Warrior on His Journey" by Anthony Gauthier © 2020, Ink on Paper. https://www.facebook.com/tonygauthier.com1 This is Anthony Gauthier's last drawing, done just 2 nights before he passed, completed on November 30th, 2020. It sums up where he was in his journey, while given forced oxygen through a mask and being heavily sedated. Dad was still able to communicate through art. Every single breath was a painful struggle. His body gave out before his spirit. Despite last minute writings and improved lung capacity, he did not recover. All we have now are memories, his love in our hearts, his legacy of artistic talent, and each other.
Gratitude is sent to all the healthcare workers who did everything in their power, while respecting my dad's wishes, to save his life. I'm grateful to them and for all the encouragement, prayers, positive energy sent our way in the last several days by everyone.
Pinagigi,
The Gauthier Family
