Robert L. Garoutte

Robert L. Garoutte, 93, of New Carlisle, Indiana, passed away at 11:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in his home.

Robert was born on Sept. 21, 1931, in Hudson Lake, Indiana, to the late Thomas and Mabel (Galbelth) Garoutte, and was a lifelong resident. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. When he returned home after his service, he worked a number of jobs before deciding to go into business for himself.

He first purchased the DX station on the southside and after he outgrew that he sold it and bought the Standard station across the street. He first doubled and then tripled the capacity, and today it's known as Garoutte's Auto & Truck Center. He also ran a tree trimming business on the weekend for many years.

On Dec. 22, 1952, he married Mary J. Dill, who survives.

Robert is also survived by his three sons, Terry (Debbie) Garoutte of Newburgh, Indiana, Robert (Peggy) Garoutte of New Carlisle, Indiana, and Michael Gene Garoutte of New Carlisle, Indiana; his daughter, Dawn (Ed) Rice of Indianapolis, Indiana; 15 grandchildren, Bridgette (Joe) Pollard, Jamie (Colby) Gullen, Troy (Angela) Rice, Jessica (Bobby) Smith, Molly (John) Schellinger, Jacob Michael Rice, Stephen (Ani) Garoutte, Ryan Robert Garoutte, Julie (Derrick) Weyer, Amanda (Aaron) Witmer, Christopher (Jamie) Garoutte, Shawn Barret, Julie (Tom) Brenneman, Michael (Heather) Singleton and Jeff (Kim) Hurlbut; and 25 great grandchildren.

Robert was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Denise Garoutte; three sisters, Nadine Sturgis, Mary Louise Nelson and Louise Peterson; and his brother, Jim Garoutte.

A visitation will be held from 4 until 8 p.m. EDT on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 201 S. Filbert Street, New Carlisle, Indiana. Visitation will also be held from 10:30 until 11:30 a.m. EDT on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, in the New Carlisle Wesleyan Church. Funeral Services will take place at 11:30 a.m. EDT Saturday in the church. A luncheon reception will follow the funeral service at the church. A procession will begin at noon Sunday, Jan. 26, from the Kaniewski Funeral Home, New Carlisle, Indiana, to the New Carlisle Cemetery where, a Committal Service will be held.

Robert was a member of the American Legion Post 297 and the VFW Rolling Prairie Post 9423. He was a former fire chief for the New Carlisle Fire Department and was awarded the Hill and Dale Club "Toast Award" in 1984. Memorial contributions should be directed to the New Carlisle Wesleyan Church in Robert's honor.

In summary, Robert "Butch" Garoutte was a husband, father, son, grandpa, great-grandpa, Korean War veteran, multiple business owner, firefighter, tree trimmer, Dunkin' Donut/Coffee lover, Notre Dame and NASCAR fan, a person with a heart of gold who would help anyone, stubborn, stuck in his ways, loving, champion storyteller and always on the move. A man who loved life as much as life loved him. He will be missed by all who knew him.