John L. Gaughen

John Lawrence Gaughen, 69, of St. Paul, passed away Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, at the Howard County Medical Center in St. Paul, with his loving wife of 52 years, at his side.

Graveside services will be 3 p.m. Thursday at the Central City Cemetery in Central City. The Rev. Vince Parsons will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is assisting the family.

John Lawrence Gaughen was born Nov. 17, 1951, at Schuyler, the son of LaVerne and Emma (Vacha) Gaughen. He grew up and went to school in Aurora. He was blessed with great friends, who helped create some of the best stories his children and grandchildren, loved to listen to him tell. John worked at Dowds Elevator throughout his high school years.

He was united in marriage to Vereen Marie Hormann on June 26, 1969, in Grand Island. He continued to work for Downs Elevator after his marriage. In 1972, his father invested in a truck to haul grain and liquid fertilizer, which John drove for 12 years. This started his professional driving career. In 1994, his wife joined him and they team drove until their retirement on Jan. 10, 2021.

John loved working hard and spending time with his family. He enjoyed horses and watching his children show horses. He also enjoyed camping, boating, fiddling on his farm, riding his Harley with his wife and the AARP gang. One of his greatest loves was for his constant companion, his dog Harley.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Vereen; children and spouses, Bridget and Randy Butt of Archer and John and T.J. Gaughen of Harvard; five grandchildren, Zachary Butt, Lindsey Malasek and her husband, Riley, Caleb Gaughen, Delainey Gaughen and Brodin Gaughen; two great-grandchildren, Beckham Butt and Ralynn Malasek; sisters and brothers-in-law, Cathi Gaughen of Central City, Colleen and Jim Clayton of Central City, Jeanette and Craig Williams of Union and Chris Gaughen of Central City; brother and sister-in-law, Pat and Karen Gaughen of Hampton; brother-in-law, Wayne Hormann of St. Paul; and sister-in-law, Brenda Bengough of Omaha.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and in-laws, Earl and Marian Hormann.