Gale Lynn Rothgeb

Gale Lynn Rothgeb, 74, of Monroeville, Indiana, passed away Wednesday morning, September 23, 2026, surrounded by his children at Stillwater Hospice in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

He was born on July 21, 1952, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to the late George H. and DeVetta M. (Bolyard) Rothgeb. Gale was united in marriage to Margaret Anne “Peggy” Schnelker on May 24, 1975, at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and she preceded him in death on August 6, 2026.

He honorably served his country in the United States Army.

Gale was a parishioner of St. Louis Besancon Catholic Church in New Haven, Indiana. He was a member of the American Legion Post #420 in Monroeville, and a member of the National Rifle Association and the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association.

He graduated from Heritage High School. He retired from the United States Postal Service following over 35 years of service.

A true outdoorsman at heart, Gale was happiest when he was out in nature. Whether he was out hunting early in the morning, waiting for a bite with a fishing pole in hand, or simply spending quiet time at the lake, he cherished the beauty and freedom of the great outdoors. He had a passion for hands-on work, especially spending hours tinkering with and restoring tractors. If something was broken, Gale was the first person people called, and he was always there to lend a helping hand without a second thought. Above all, Gale loved his family. He treasured every moment spent going on adventures with his brothers. A gifted storyteller, he loved sharing those tales with anyone willing to listen —along with a good Western on the TV. But of all the roles he held in life, nothing brought him more joy than being a grandfather. Hanging out with his grandkids was his favorite pastime.

Survivors include his son, Brian (Michale) Rothgeb of Auburn, Indiana; daughter, Sarah Lahrman of West Lafayette, Indiana; daughter, Amy (Phillip) Reimund of Fort Wayne, Indiana; brother, Dean (Patty) Rothgeb of Monroeville, Indiana; brother, Neal (Beth) Rothgeb of Monroeville, Indiana; brother, Mark (Bobbie) Rothgeb of Monroeville, Indiana; fourteen grandchildren, Madelyne Rothgeb, Owen Rothgeb, Ethan Rothgeb, Emmalyne Rothgeb, Piper Lahrman, Hudson Lahrman, Ryder Lahrman, Maya Guenin, Henrik Guenin, Cruze Guenin, Andrew Carter, Katie Reimund, Austin Reimund, and Aiden Reimund; and four great-grandchildren, Isaiah Reimund, Sawyer Clark, Willow Clark, and Rosie Clark.

He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Kurt Lahrman, and brother, Gene Gick.

A Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, October 1, 2026, at St. Louis Besancon Catholic Church in New Haven, Indiana, with Father Sam Anderson officiating. Burial will follow at St. Louis Besancon Catholic Cemetery in New Haven, Indiana, with military honors rendered by the United States Army and the American Legion Post #420.

Family and friends will be received from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Jacobs Chapel in Monroeville, Indiana. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials may be given to Stillwater Hospice or Masses.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes, Jacobs Chapel of Monroeville, Indiana