Richard D. Gaerte Sr., 69, Pierceton, passed away at 1:02 a.m. on Monday, June 13, 2016, at I.U. Goshen Hospital in Goshen. He was born on Nov. 3, 1946 in Wolf Lake, to Forrest and Eileen (Fetters) Gaerte.

He was a lifetime area resident and attended North Webster High School. He was married on April 12, 1975 in Wilmot to Maria I. Delacruz who survives. He was a lifelong truck driver and retired after 52 years.

He was affiliated with the Country Bible Church in North Webster.

He is survived by his wife: Maria Gaerte, Pierceton; two daughters: Misty Gaerte, Pierceton; and Roxanne Kammer, Daleville; four grandchildren: Jeramiah, Nathan, Kyle and Jessica; two great grandchildren; six sisters: Mary Lou (Larry) Leamon, Wolf Lake; Dora Mae Clingerman, Pierceton; Judy (Charles) Meservey, Pierceton; Roma Earl, Warsaw; Jean (Jim) Prescott, Warsaw; Becky (Dave) Bushong, Houston, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sons: Richard D. Gaerte Jr, and Anthony D. Gaerte.

Visitation will be from 6–8 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, at Owen Family Funeral Home, St. Rd 13 & CR 500N, North Webster and one hour prior to services on Thursday. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 16 at the funeral home with Pastor Myron Drent of the church officiating. Burial will follow in the Salem Cemetery at Wilmot.

Preferred memorial may be given to the Richard Gaerte Funeral Fund, c/o Owen Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 72, North Webster, IN 46555. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To send condolences in Richard Gaerte’s memory, please visit www.owenfamilyfuneralhome.com