Ken W. Gaerte

Ken William Gaerte, 81, of Indianapolis, left us on Thursday, November 28, 2024. Ken, also known by many who loved him as “Bill”, was born on February 2, 1943, in Elkhart, Indiana. He was the only son born to the late William D. Gaerte and Evelyn L. (Stump) Gaerte. 

Ken graduated from Ligonier High School, and he would proudly tell you that he still held many of Ligonier’s track and field records. Later, he would acknowledge that Ligonier High School closed in 1967, five years after his graduation. Ken graduated from Indiana Institute of Technology, in Fort Wayne, IN with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering. He worked tirelessly in the construction industry as a Project Manager, primarily in Indiana, for the next four decades. His work will forever be commemorated throughout Indianapolis’ skyline. 

Ken was a thoughtful man who never met an enemy. He was a loving son, brother, husband and father. In his later years, he thoroughly enjoyed simply being “Granddad” to four granddaughters who loved him dearly. Ken enjoyed fixing things – houses, cars, snowmobiles and lawn equipment. As many neighbors, friends and family would attest, he loved taking things apart and was usually very good at putting them back together. No problem was too big for him.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Janis (Woford) Gaerte; his affectionate children, Jennifer (Gaerte) Brookshire and Mike Gaerte; his adoring grandchildren, Olivia and Jenna Brookshire and Ella and Abigail Gaerte, and his dear younger sister, Jean Smith. 

Ken was preceded in death by his beloved older sister, Brenda Firestone. He will be missed by his extended family, and many friends. 

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. with a service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Indiana Funeral Care, 8151 Allisonville Rd. Indianapolis, IN, 46250.