Loren (Ike) Gaerte

Loren "Ike" M. Gaerte, 79, of Albion, passed away at 6:14 a.m. on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at his home in rural Albion. Mr. Gaerte was born on September 27, 1936 in Whitley County, Indiana, a son of Russell C. and Julia (Conner) Gaerte. He spent his formative years in Noble County, and graduated from Churubusco High School in 1955. On April 6, 1957 he was married to Hope A. Wert. He was employed at Noble County Highway Dept, and retired after more than 25 years. Mr. Gaerte was a member of Blue River Church of the Brethren. The surviving relatives include wife of 59 years, Hope A. Gaerte of Albion; a daughter, Marylyn Gaerte of Yuma, Arizona; three sons, Marc A. Gaerte and Michael L. (Pam) Gaerte both of Avilla, and Wayne L. Gaerte of Albion; three sisters, Karen (Roger) Smith of Churubusco, Judy (Terry) Wooten of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Ginny (Terry) Skiles of Avilla; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers Gene, Richard, and Kevin Gaerte. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Blue River Church of the Brethren, with Pastor Craig Alan Myers, officiating. The family will receive friends at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, or one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam. For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Blue River Church of the Brethren Mission Fund or the Noble House Shelter. ***************************************** To leave an online condolence for the family, "click" on condolences...