Audrey and George Gaukler
VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The former North Dakota Dem-NPL Chairman George Gaukler of Valley City died Tuesday, March 11th at the age of 88.
Gaulker was party chair from 1980 to 1994, a time that saw two to three seats in Congress held by North Dakota Democrats. All three seats are now held by Republicans.
Former Congressman Earl Pomeroy said Gaukler was like an older brother to him and was the most effective State Chairman the Democratic Party ever had.
“North Dakota lost one of its most prominent businessmen in the passing of Valley City’s George Gaukler, said former State Sen. Larry J. Robinson who recently retired as Executive Director of the Valley City State University Foundation. Robinson will be our guest on our Voice of the Valley program on KOVC Radio Thursday, March 13th to talk about Gauklers many accomplishments for the state and community. The program will air at 11:30am Thursday and be podcast on NewsDakota.com. Just click on the listen button bar, drop down to podcast and swing to the right on Thursday afternoon. You can listen to KOVC podcasts anytime of the day once they are posted. But the full interview is available right now below.
Gaukler spent his life in real estate development building single family homes and apartments.
A celebration of life for George Gaukler will be held on Thursday, April 10 at the Larry J. Robinson Center for the Arts on the campus of Valley City State University.
The following is a statement from Matt Pedersen.
“George Gaukler leaves a lasting legacy across his many areas of interest including community involvement, politics, philanthropy and real estate. His legacy will forever inspire us. I am extremely fortunate to have been mentored by George for 15 years as we worked together at Dakota Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), Valley City State University Foundation, Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation and Valley City Permanent Flood Protection Task Force. Many people may not know that George Gaukler and Jim Knutson formed Dakota REIT 27 years ago as a way for more North Dakotans to invest in real estate with less risk. Today, Dakota REIT flourishes with $1 billion in real estate assets across the upper Midwest and 1,200 shareholders many of which became millionaires due to their investment in Dakota REIT. I am blessed to serve as George’s successor as President of Dakota REIT and maintain the core values he instilled in the organization. George’s leadership, business insight, and steadfast commitment to Midwest values have shaped the very foundation of Dakota REIT. Throughout the years, George mentored many of us, leaving an enduring legacy of integrity, dedication, and the importance of building strong, lasting relationships. His vision and thoughtful coaching will continue to guide us and will be appreciated for generations to come. I am honored to carry forward the values he instilled in me. My deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him.” Sincerely, Matt Pedersen.
The following is a statement from Valley City Barnes County Development Corporation Director of Economic Development, Jennifer Feist.
“George was one of the people who hired me nearly 38 years ago. From the start, he told me I could learn from his mistakes—and maybe make fewer of my own. We worked on many projects together, and I gained invaluable experience alongside him.
George’s success allowed him to focus on what truly mattered to him—giving back. Throughout his lifetime, his generosity touched many people and organizations, especially those facing challenges or hardship. He shared his story about bartending while attending VCSU, and that studying wasn’t a priority—until one day, a professor grabbed him by the collar and asked when he was going to make something of himself. That moment changed his life, and he never forgot the impact of the woman who cared and took interest in his success. Supporting VCSU remained one of his lifelong passions.
George was uncomfortable with getting attention for his accomplishments. He always credited his success to the great many people around him. George was a force to be reckoned with and was determined to move Valley City forward.
On Monday, March 3rd, four of us had a conference call with him. His mind was as sharp as ever as we brainstormed and strategized about the bigger picture for Valley City. On Tuesday morning, March 11th, I learned that he passed away peacefully with his family by his side.
About three years ago, he told me he hoped that, when he was gone, people would remember him as a good and decent man who tried to make life better for as many people as possible—leaving behind something bigger than himself.
Thank you, George, for everything you have done for this community. Rest easy.”
Jennifer Feist.