Cover photo for James "Jim" R. Gottschalk's Obituary
James "Jim" R. Gottschalk Profile Photo
1931 James 2021

James "Jim" R. Gottschalk

July 19, 1931 — April 28, 2021

James “Jim” Gottschalk entered into the arms of our Savior on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 in Stillwater at the age of 89. Services have been entrusted to the care of Dighton-Marler Funeral Home of Perry.

Jim was born July 19, 1931 in Perry, Oklahoma to Carl and Helen (Gardner) Gottschalk. He graduated Perry High School in 1951. He married his high school sweetheart, Peggy Thiele on June 25, 1955 in Perry. He and Peggy established their roots on the family farm in Perry where they raised their four children. He spent his life raising cattle and wheat while still working at Ditch Witch at the same time. He even had a few patents that helped innovation while at Ditch Witch for 40 years.

Spending precious time with his family making memories that his children and grandchildren will cherish forever was always a highlight of Jim’s. He also enjoyed horseback riding and would give the grandkids and great-grandkids a ride every chance he could. He and Peggy were blessed to enjoy some traveling over the years as well. Whether it be going to Canada, Washington D.C., Mexico, or somewhere close.

There was nothing that Jim could not make from metal with his creative ideas. If he saw something while out and about that he liked, he would come home and fabricate it.
Jim was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Perry for 6o years where he served on the Board of Education, Evangelism, Elder, and other offices as well.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 66 years, Peggy; four children, Teri Houska and husband Steve of Perry, OK., Doug Gottschalk and wife Paula of Perry, OK., Greg Gottschalk of Orlando, FL., and Gayla Salvati and husband Phil of Perry, OK; five grandchildren, Ryan Houska, Matt Houska and wife Kassidy, Brady Houska and wife Brandy, Kade Gottschalk, and Parker Gottschalk; four great-grandchildren, Taylor Houska, Sloane Houska, Colten Houska, and Braylen Houska; two brothers, Ray Gottschalk and wife Ann of Perry, OK., and Leonard Gottschalk of Manford, OK. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one great-grandson, Rylee Houska.

Visitation will be Sunday, May 2, 2021 from 1PM to 6PM at Dighton-Marler Funeral Home, Perry. Family will greet guests from 4PM to 6PM. A Celebration of Jim’s life will be 2PM Monday, May 3, 2021 at Christ Lutheran Church in Perry with Pastor, Metz officiating. Pallbearers will be Ryan Houska, Matt Houska, Brady Houska, Kade Gottschalk, Parker Gottschalk, and Phil Salvati. Interment will follow at Richburg Cemetery in Perry.

Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.dightonmarler.com
Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Lutheran Church of Perry.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James "Jim" R. Gottschalk, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation- with Family

Sunday, May 2, 2021

4:00 - 6:00 pm (Central time)

Dighton-Marler Funeral Home - Chapel

203 Fir Street, Perry, OK 73077

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Visitation

Monday, May 3, 2021

Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)

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Interment

Monday, May 3, 2021

Starts at 3:00 pm (Central time)

Richburg Cemetery

, Perry, OK 73077

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Burial

Richburg Cemetery

, Perry, OK 73077

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