Salinas

Mona Rae Gudgel

Mona Rae Gudgel, beloved sister, mother, and grandmother, of Salinas, passed away last Friday, October 11, 2013. Her last peaceful moments were spent surrounded by her caring family in the comfort of her home in Salinas. She was 72.

Born Mona Rae Buchert on January 26, 1941, in Denver, Colorado, Mona was the eldest of three daughters to Winifred and Wayne Buchert. Her birth father Wayne died during WWII and Mona later became an elder sister to the daughter of Winifred (Buchert) and Joe Alexander. During her adolescence, her family relocated to Santa Maria, where she met her adoring husband of 44 years, John Gudgel. John and Mona were married shortly after graduating from Santa Maria High School. They went on to live in San Luis Obispo while John attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. The two lived briefly in Indiana and Nipomo, California and gave birth to two children, Shannon and Joseph. They spent the remainder of their family life in Salinas. John preceded Mona in death, passing away in 2004.

An active local author and avid historian, Mona proudly dedicated 27 years of service as the Executive Director of the Monterey County Historical Society. In her tenure, she touched many lives with her warm and gracious character. Mona truly loved her work and treasured the bonds with those of whom she worked alongside. She remained productive until the very end, fortunately seeing the publishing of her last book shortly before her death. In fact, during her distinguished career, she was able to contribute in the publishing of four books devoted to local history: 10,000 YEARS ON THE SALINAS PLAIN: An Illustrated History of Salinas City, California (2000), Images of America: Early Salinas (2005), Images of America: Spreckels (2006), and most recently Salinas: A Postcard History (2013). (All works were in collaboration with Gary S. Breschini and Trudy Haversat.). Previous professional endeavors for Mona include, serving as a civilian employee of The National Guard from 1960-1964, serving as Vice President for the California Women for Agriculture, and working as secretary for local businessman Dick Bruhn.

Mona's profound legacy of character and integrity will live on by those of whom she is survived, including her two sisters, Helen Collins and Wanda Acquistapace; two children, Shannon Sanchez and Joe Gudgel; and four grandchildren, Ashley and Austin Gudgel, and Corey and Collin Sanchez. Mona was preceded in death by her sister, Diane Kriling and husband, John Gudgel.

Memorial service will be held Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 11:00 a.m., at the Struve and Laporte Funeral Home, 41 W. San Luis St., Salinas, CA 93901.