Gail Stuckenberg Schauerte was welcomed into heaven on May 3, 2026.

Gail was a devoted wife, daughter, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was also a dedicated educator who committed her life to improving the lives of young children and their families. Through her kindness, service to others, and her gift for making people feel seen and valued, Gail profoundly impacted both her family and the many children and families who had the privilege of working with her.

Gail earned her Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Cincinnati and became a visionary leader and trailblazer in her field. In 1970, she played an instrumental role in launching a preschool program for children with autism at the Children’s Psychiatric Center. In 1988, she joined Hamilton County Education Services, where her influence continued to grow.

In 1991, when a federal mandate required school districts to provide services for children ages three through compulsory school age, Gail guided districts with exceptional clarity, expertise, and compassion. She established geographically clustered consortiums of school districts and helped develop classrooms that modeled the instructional design, environment, and staffing necessary for high-quality early childhood programs serving preschoolers with disabilities. Through her close work with families, she also helped inspire the creation of Autism Connections.

A gifted collaborator, Gail built strong partnerships with the Ohio Department of Education. Her work earned her the Irene Brandy-Hedden Early Education Award in 1997. Her vision and advocacy advanced inclusive practices, early intervention, and high-quality standards that continue to influence early childhood education today.

Gail is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years, Dick Schauerte; her daughters, Kelly Johnson (the late Clay Johnson), Kara Lecker (Chris Keller), and Dayna Auten (Lynn Auten); her brother, Dave Stuckenberg (Cheryl Stuckenberg); her nephew, Ryan Stuckenberg (Amanda Stuckenberg); and her niece, Leah Corpus (Ian Corpus).

She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Danielle Besser (Jon Besser), Joshua Lecker, Madison Flowers (Gary Flowers), John William Puhl (Lauren Puhl), and Rose Auten; and her great-grandchildren, Simon Besser, Lyra Puhl, Trey James Flowers, and Hazel Besser.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Norma and Oscar Stuckenberg, and her son-in-law, Clay Johnson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Wednesday, May 6 at St. Margaret of York Catholic Church, 9499 Columbia Rd, Loveland, OH 45140.

Interment St. Stephen Cemetery,1314 Greenwood Ave, Hamilton, OH 45011.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Autism Connections, or Hospice of Cincinnati in memory of Gail Stuckenberg Schauerte.