Arden E. Gaerte

Arden E. Gaerte, 94 of Bradenton, Fl and Elkhart, passed away Friday, August 1, 2014 at Elkhart General Hospital.

He was born March 7, 1920 in North Manchester, to Claude E. and Vesta F. (Burkholder) Gaerte. He married Alice M. Zook on February 14, 1941 in Elkhart. She died June 16, 1995. Surviving are a son, Douglas (Sharon) Gaerte of Elkhart and a daughter Carol (Anthony) Sommer of Goshen, 4 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Ruby Dils.

Arden served in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II. He was owner of Arden’s TV Service and then retired in 1982 from Templin’s Music Store after 12 years. He attended Faith United Methodist Church. He enjoyed tennis, playing pool and cars. He was captain of a motorcycle club in his early years and active with his 1939 High School Class breakfast. He wintered in Florida since 1982. He was very much loved by his family and will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be 2 hours prior to the 1 pm service on Wednesday, Aug. 6th at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home. Reverend John Hogsett will officiate. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be given to Salvation Army. Online condolences may be sent to www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com.