Obituary of James J. Gudenkauf

DYERSVILLE, IOWA

James J. Gudenkauf, 86 of Dyersville, Iowa was surrounded by his daughter and an earthly angel nurse at MercyOne Senior Care when called to his heavenly home on October 2, 2024. 

Jim was born to August and Leona (Tegeler) Gudenkauf on June 7, 1938.  The second of five children, he spent his entire life in Dyersville, IA.  He married Sharon Vorwald on October 15, 1960, and together they raised their daughter Judy.

In his early years Jim gained valuable life experience as a farm hand prior to serving in the Army while stationed in Fort McClellan, AL.  In honor of his service, he was recently presented with a Quilt of Valor.  Shortly after returning from the service, Jim began working as a welder at John Deere Dubuque.  Jim held a variety of positions at John Deere prior to retiring in 1992 as an Advanced Engineering Analyst.  Although not formally trained as an engineer, Jim had a true gift for mechanical problem-solving.  He could figure out the most complex problems and was instrumental in obtaining some patents during his time at John Deere.  He took enormous pride in working for John Deere as evidenced by the family standing joke that you better not stand still for fear of being painted John Deere green! 

Upon his retirement, Jim opened a woodworking shop and created a variety of fine furniture pieces that will be cherished by future generations.  Golf, cards and weekends at the cabin were also some of his favorite pastimes. 

Jim loved all kinds of music as evidenced by two of his favorite TV shows – Hee Haw and Lawrence Welk. Over the years he taught himself to play the guitar, banjo, and most notably, the spoons.  It was dancing to music, however, that brought Jim and Sharon together.  They floated effortlessly across the dance floor and were often asked to dance for the patrons at Dick’s Steak House.  Jim danced with Judy for the last time at her wedding just two months before his passing.

Jim was a gadget guy at heart.  If there was a tool to make a job easier, he would own one – or more likely two or three.  But it was Jim’s passion for different means of transportation that stands out.  It began with his beloved paper route bicycle and turned into motorized vehicles including his Dodge Dart, Ford pickup trucks, motorcycle, scooter, electric bike, golf carts, pontoons, jet skis, and of course, his cherished John Deere lawn tractor complete with attachments.  In the end, even his walkers were state of the art!

He will be deeply missed by his daughter, Judy Burkle (Eric Hinz) of Waunakee, WI, grandchildren: Libby (Aaron) White of De Pere, WI and Zach Burkle (special friend Kayla Mitchell) of Green Bay, WI, and great-grandsons: Hudson and Bennett White.  He also leaves behind siblings: Grace Stevens, Marian (Dan) Hoeger, Carol Wegmann, and Janet (Charlie) Prier all of Dyersville, and in-laws: Fred (Judy) Vorwald of Manchester, IA, Donna Sue Vorwald of North Carolina, June (Dan) Platz of Dyersville, Barry (Jo) Vorwald of Florida and Wendy (Steve) Graf of Texas.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon, in 2023, his parents, son-in-law, Neal Burkle, parents-in-law, Dick and Jan Vorwald, and brothers-in-law: Fred Stevens and Jim Wegmann.

Visitation will be held from 8:30-10:30 am on Friday, October 11, 2024, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville at 11:00 am on Friday October 11, 2024, with burial in St. Francis Cemetery where military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post #137. 

The family is eternally grateful to the compassionate staff of MercyOne Senior Care, Hospice of Dubuque and Ellen Kennedy Living Center.  They are a true gift to Dyersville and the surrounding communities and will forever hold a place in our hearts.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family.  Information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.