Doctor Wilfred Stephen Gauthier II, adored husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026 at the age of 86. Fred was born on May 29, 1939 in Berwyn, Illinois, to parents Mildred Whiteside Gauthier and Wilfred Stephen Gauthier, and later graduated High School in Independence, Missouri. He went on to attend The University of Kansas as both an undergraduate and Medical student, and remained a proud Jayhawk throughout his life. Upon graduation from KU, he moved to The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center for residency. Fred practiced General Surgery for over four decades, including two years in the US Air Force.

While working as a surgical resident at the OUHSC, Fred met the greatest woman he ever knew, Sharon Cole Gauthier. On December 16, 1967, Fred and Sharon married, joyfully sharing 55 years together. In 1969 they were blessed with their first child, Elizabeth, and their second child, Stephen, followed in 1972. Fred loved children, especially his own, and would often speak of the wonderful time he had raising Elizabeth and Stephen. Fred and his family resided in Ardmore, Oklahoma, where he opened his practice. The Ardmore community is one that Fred held dear to his heart. He attended services every Sunday at the First United Methodist Church, where he loved watching Sharon sing in the choir. As a member of the Dornick Hills Country Club he golfed weekly with his best friends, as well as, along with Sharon, looked forward to weekly Friday dinners with close friends.

In addition to Ardmore, Fred's second home was South Fork, Colorado. He loved spending time with his family and friends at The Cole Shed cabin, hiking and camping in the summer and skiing in the winter. He believed he truly had the best view in those mountains.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Gauthier; his parents, Millie and Will Gauthier; and daughter-in-law Christine Gauthier. He is survived by his children, Elizabeth Gauthier Grundy and Tim, and Stephen Gauthier and wife, Kiley; his grandchildren Caitlin Grundy, Hannah Grundy, Cole Grundy, Henry Gauthier, Willie Gauthier, and Emma Gauthier; his sister-in-law Linda (Larry) Atkinson and brother-in-law J.D. (Carol) Cole. He also leaves behind nieces and nephews Kellee Gauthier, Cole Atkinson, Stephanie Atkinson, Braton Cole, Kerri Cole, and several great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services to honor and celebrate Fred's life will be held on January 16, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church. A visitation for family and friends will take place at Craddock Funeral Home on January 15, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Interment will be in Oklahoma City at a later date.

The Gauthier Family expresses immense gratitude for all the love, support, and prayers they have received during this time of grief.