Friedrich Gaukel (9 June 1784 or 7 June 1785 – 8 November 1853), also known as Frederick Gaukel, was a German-Canadian farmer, distiller, and innkeeper. He was born in Württemberg in what is now the Federal Republic of Germany. He immigrated first to Pennsylvania in the United States and later to Waterloo Township in Upper Canada, now the Canadian province of Ontario. He was instrumental in the early growth and establishment of Berlin, Ontario (now known as Kitchener), of which he has been described as a "prominent founder". He operated an early tavern and inn near the site of the later Walper Hotel at the corner of King Street and Queen Street in downtown Kitchener. His donation of land to build a county courthouse and jail allowed Berlin to become the seat of Waterloo County, acceleratin