John Gaule

The dirt track racing world lost a loyal member on October 20^th, 2022, when John Paul Gaule #114 passed away at the Veterans Hospital in Fargo ND after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.  Weary of that diagnosis John wanted it known that he died as a result of being stubborn, refusing to follow doctor’s orders and raising hell for over 7 decades.  A few other things he wanted everyone to know is if he owes you money “the check is in the mail” and “he really did sing with Elvis”.  On any given evening (except during racing season) you could find John at his shop (with several other followers ;) telling stories, laughing until the wee hours in the morning.  If you were not a night owl and wanted to hang out with John, you had best become one because he told his best stories right around 2 AM.  The rules of the general population did not apply to John Gaule.  He did what he wanted, when he wanted, and how he wanted.  If he was told NOT to do something he would do it twice just to show he could. 

When John wasn’t at his shop, or the race track you would find him at home with his kids and later grandkids.  Teaching them how to swear “the right way”, doing cheeky pullers, “crackling Rosies”, paying anyone $10 bucks if they were able to push him off the couch, and letting everyone jump on the beds (when Jeri wasn’t around).  John’s love for fast cars started early in life.  He worked his magic several times on his mother who would approve of a car he was buying to later having his father discover the speeds of which these cars could go and/or getting a phone call from the local authorities letting them know that John was once again picked up for drag racing. 

John was born and raised in Massachusetts, graduated high school and joined the Air Force which brought him to Minot Air Force base.  He called North Dakota home from that point on.  This is where he met his beautiful bride of 56 years and raised his three children.

 John was preceded in death by his beloved “Nana”, father (Herman Gaule), uncle (Paul Gaule) and cousin (Billy Gaule).

 Those left on this earth to morn his empty seat at the dinner table.

 Mother: Mary Gaule

Sister: Judy Priester

Wife: Jeri (Blada) Gaule

 Children: April (Gaule) Towle, Heidi (Gaule) Gunsch, Billy Gaule

Grandchildren: Amanda (Towle) Meier, John Towle, Michael Gunsch, Samantha Gunsch, Matthew Gunsch, Claire Gaule, and Savannah Gunsch

Great Grandchildren: Koby Gunsch, Jaxson Meier, Emma Meier, Winston Schlichenmayer, and Klowey Gunsch.

Nieces/Nephews: Patrick Preister, Karri Preister, and Christopher Preister

And many close friends.