Jerry N. Gauche

Jerry Nicholas Gauche passed away peacefully on Monday, the 7th of March 2022, in Houston. Jerry was born on the 21st of May 1948, in Eugene, Oregon to Gerald and Wyma (Williams) Gauche. Jerry Gauche was fascinated with life. He loved discovering and learning new things.

Jerry was an attorney with interests that went far beyond the law. His career reflected his broad interests; and he was successful not only as a lawyer, but as a business executive and strategist. Jerry went to Washington D.C. to work for United States Senator Mike Gravel from the state of Alaska. Jerry was instrumental in the crafting of the Alaskan Permanent Fund Corporation which made the residents part of a statewide profit-sharing program. Jerry went on to work for the oil and gas industry working for Standard Oil of Ohio in Cleveland, Ohio. When British Petroleum acquired Standard Oil of Ohio, Jerry became a Vice President at British Petroleum and was Secretary to the Board of Directors in Cleveland. Years later, he was hired by National Oilwell in Houston where he was instrumental in turning the company around and taking the company public. He proposed and implemented a plan for the employees to purchase the company and grow it into one of the world’s largest oilwell manufacturers. In 2004, National Oilwell acquired Varco International, another leader in the well component manufacturing industry. Jerry ended his work career there as National Oilwell Varco’s Sr. Vice President of Sales & Marketing.

Jerry loved music and began playing cello in junior high school. Later, he started playing the guitar. He loved to play guitar by the hour, sing, and wrote several songs of his own, including one for he and Cathy’s wedding anniversary.

Jerry graduated from Concordia Lutheran high school in Portland, Oregon. He attended the University of Oregon earning a bachelor’s degree. Then he attended the University of Oregon Law School where he was editor of the Law Review. Jerry graduated in the top 5% in the nation in law. After passing the bar, he worked for a local law firm in Eugene. He then attended the prestigious NYU Tax Law School in New York City. Through the years, Jerry’s appetite for learning led him to participate in several Executive Programs for professionals.

Jerry had an extraordinary commitment to family and close friendships. He married his childhood sweetheart, Cathy, maintaining a love affair with her for forty-three years. He shared his time with his brother and sister and many friends. Jerry often said that he felt blessed and worked to share his blessings with others, dedicating his time to lead charitable and civic organizations and serving in his church Memorial Drive Presbyterian.

He and Cathy enjoyed collecting, restoring, and showing unique classic cars which won many awards. They enjoyed loving and showing their many toy and miniature poodles and was fortunate to have the #1 toy and miniature poodle for over 7 years. They shared a love for traveling the world together.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Gerald and Wyma (Williams) Gauche. He is survived by his wife Cathy Gauche; his sister, Jean Gauche Raabe and husband, Dwayne; his brother, Daniel Gauche and wife Cheryl; nieces, Michelle and Debbie Raabe and nephew, Michael Gauche.

Visitation will be held at one o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 26th of March 2022, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where the funeral service is to commence at two o'clock in the afternoon in the same chapel, with Reverend Beth Case, Caring and Christian Formation Pastor of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church officiating. Those unable to attend in-person, may join the livestream of the service by visiting Jerry's online memorial tribute page at GeoHLewis.com and selecting the "Join Livestream" icon under the service section.

Kindly Note: The family has requested if anyone would like to share a remark of Mr. Gauche during the funeral service, to please have your remark prepared prior to the service and you will be given an opportunity to share such.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in The Republic Wine Room and Parlor of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons.

Entombment service will be held at a later date in Eugene, Oregon.

We invite you to take a moment to share memories and words of comfort with his family by selecting the "Add A Memory" icon below.