Theodore John "Jessie" Gauthier, Sr., Indian name Sapatis, age 86 of Neopit, began his journey to the spirit world on Friday, December 11, 2020. Jessie was born on July 8, 1934 to the late Peter Gauthier and Ruby (Bowman) Dodge in Neopit. He went on to serve his country in the United States Army and is a Korean War Veteran. Jessie spent 71 years with the love of his life, Cynthia Winneshiek. He lived most of his life on the Menominee Indian Reservation. Jessie worked for Landware Construction of Appleton as a heavy equipment operator for 30 years until his retirement. He was a kind, understanding man who helped everyone that he could. He lived his life to care for his family and so many others. Jessie loved to visit, tell jokes, and spend his summers at the lake lot.

Jessie is survived by his wife, Cynthia; children, Spencer Gauthier, Sr., Theodore (Doreen) Gauthier, Jr., Lelia (Kevin Kaquatosh) Gauthier, Bernadette Gauthier, Cynthia Tucker, Brian Gauthier, Diana (Robert) Waukau, Jonathan Garcia, Lydia Garcia, and Alisha Hernandez; 35 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Roger Gauthier. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, foster children, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; children, Ben Hernandez, Frank Gauthier, and Gregory Gauthier, Sr.; great-grandchildren, Arianna and Tony; and siblings, Robert Dodge, Pete Gauthier, Sal Gauthier, Robert Tucker, Lloyd Gauthier, Edna Lyons and Aurelia.

Traditional services will be held for Jessie at 12:00 pm on Monday, December 14, 2020 at the family residence, N1250 State Highway 47, Neopit. Military Honors will be conducted at 1:00 pm Monday by the Veterans of the Menominee Nation. Visitation will be held at the family residence from 11:00 am on Saturday, December 12, 2020 until the time of services on Monday. Due to COVID-19 restrictions masks will be required.