DDS J John J. Gauvin
John J. Gauvin, DDS, age 94 of Menomonie, died peaceful Saturday, March 2, 2013 at the Dunn County Health Care Center in Menomonie, with his family by his side.
John was born on November 8, 1918 in Menomonie, but grew up in the Eau Galle community on the Gauvin family farm. He was the son of John E. and Ellen (Liddy) Gauvin. John attended the Ingram Country School and graduated from Menomonie High School in 1936. John attended St. John's University in Collegeville, MN; he then went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota Dental School in 1942. After college, John enlisted and served in the US Army Air Force during WWII as a Major. He served stateside, in North Africa and two years in the Burma Jungle. John married Barbara Lehr on July 3, 1948 in Memphis, TN. After marriage, they returned to Menomonie where they made their home on Tainter Lake and John opened his own dental practice. He practiced general dentistry and oral surgery in the Menomonie area for 46 years, retiring in 1988. He has been a resident of the Dunn County Health Care Center for the last six years.
John enjoyed in his retirement years, spending winters with Barbara in Los Fresnos, TX. He also took up jewelry making, going to many craft fairs around the area. He liked to go fishing, hunting, playing bridge, dancing and attending social activities. John was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Moose Lodge, Rotary Club, VFW, DAV, Northwest District Dental Society, Wisconsin Dental Association, American Dental Association and he was a Fellow in the American Academy of General Dentistry.
John is survived by two daughters; Rosemary (William) Mitton of Delafield and Julia Gauvin of Menomonie, one son; John E. Gauvin Shady Side, MD, two grandchildren; Sean and Ashley Mitton, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Barbara, five sisters and three brothers.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Dunn County Health Care Center for all of the loving care and support that John received.