Forrest "Pop" H. Gaerte

Forrest Gaerte, 92, of Pierceton, passed away Monday, October 30, 2006 at his residence. He was born on September 15, 1914, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Clarence & Dora (Smith) Gaerte.

On March 23, 1935, he married Eileen Fetters. She preceded him in death.

Forrest "Pop" resided in Wolf Lake & Fort Wayne and in Pierceton since 1956. He retired from Weatherhead Company (Dana) after 18 years, set-up man screw machines. He was affiliated with the Pleasant Grove Methodist Chuch, served his country in the Army during WWII, was a recipient of the WWII Victory Medal, a member of the Webster Legion, former school bus driver for Webster School System and owner of Gaerte Excavating.

Survivors include 6 Daughters: Mary Lou (Larry) Leamon of Wolf Lake, Indiana, Dora Mae Clingerman of Leesburg, Judy (Charles) Meservey of Pierceton, Roma Earl of Warsaw, Jean (Jim) Prescott of North Carolina, Becky (Dave) Bushong of Texas. 1 Son: Richard (Mary) Gaerte of Pierceton. 1 Sister: Esther (Wayne) Mowery. 19 Grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Eileen, 1 Grandson Anthony Dean Gaerte and 1 Brother and 1 Sister.

Services will be held Thursday, November 2, 2006, at 11:00AM at the Mishler-Eastlund Funeral Home, Harris Chapel, in Syracuse. Pastor Don Poyser will officiate. Military Graveside Services will take place at the Salem Cemetery in Wilmot. Friends may call from 3-8PM on Wednesday, November 1, 2006, at the Mishler-Eastlund Funeral Home, Harris Chapel and 1 hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Whitley County Hospice or Down Syndrome in memory of Anthony Dean Gaerte.