Ronald Lee Gaerte

Ronald Lee Gaerte, age 68, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 7:31 pm on Saturday June 18, 2022, at his residence.  Born on January 14, 1954, in Wolf Lake, IN, he was the son of O.J. and Virginia (Trumbull) Gaerte.

Ron attended Columbia City Joint High School and graduated with the Class of 1972. He then proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force.  Ron worked for Dana Axle in Fort Wayne for 32 years until his retirement in 2004 and then worked for Simonson Apartments as Head of Maintenance for 13 years, retiring in 2019.

Ron was a member of Tri-Lakes Lions Club for over 40 years and was known for playing Santa yearly from 1998-2020.  He enjoyed country drives, fishing, reading, telling stories, and most of all, spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife Tina Gaerte of Columbia City; children Christi (Jesse Jr.) Gaerte-Rose of Pierceton and Adam Gaerte of Columbia City; 6 grandchildren; brothers Les (Marcy) Gaerte of Columbia City and Richard (Sandy) Gaerte of Fort Wayne; sister-in-law Hiwanda Gaerte of Smyrna, TN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings O.J. Gaerte Jr. and Vickie Wolfe, and son Joe Gaerte.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday July 9, 2022, at the Gaerte family residence beginning at 5:00 pm.

Arrangements by DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ron’s grandchildren for education.

Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the online guest register.