Gale G. Schaadt

Gale G. Schaadt, 87, of Decatur, Indiana passed away early Friday morning, January 10, 2025, at his residence. 

He was born on December 20, 1937 in Convoy, Ohio to Donald Sylvester and Lois Catherine (Agler) Schaadt. On April 18, 1964, Gale married Jacqueline Jean Burke, they enjoyed 60 wonderful years together. 

Gale proudly served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged.

He was a member of Union Chapel United Methodist Church where he served as a communion steward and an usher. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #43 in Decatur. 

Gale started his working career at D & T Standard Station and NAPA in Decatur. He then began a career at Aeroquip Corporation in Van Wert, Ohio and retired following 30 plus years of service. Working hard was engrained in Gale, following his retirement he continued working for Advanced Auto and Top Supply in Decatur, and concluded with Power Components in Fort Wayne.

Working hard for Gale also included being supportive of his family. This commitment to a labor of love in watching his two grandsons brought him great joy. He loved watching his grandchildren’s events, and never missed them. Gale loved drinking coffee with his coffee buddies at different restaurants.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jacqueline Schaadt of Decatur, Indiana; daughter, Natalie (Michael) Clark of Decatur, Indiana; son, Chad (Wanita) Schaadt of Decatur, Indiana; brother, Joe (Shirley) Schaadt of Wasola, Missouri; twin brother, Dale (Janet) Schaadt of Van Wert, Ohio; honorary son, Todd Burke of Bluffton, Indiana; grandchildren, Laura (Travis) Wilder, Taylor (Cody) Crump, Jarred Clark, Logan Clark, Cody Schaadt, Mariah (Logan) Antrim, Kane (Erika) Schaefer, Taylor Schaefer and honorary grandchild, Chelsey (Brandon) Harris; great-grandchildren, Harper Wilder, Zeke Wilder, Wyatt Crump, Huxley Schaadt, Jasper Antrim, Charlie Antrim, Oliver Antrim, Kallen Schaefer, and honorary great-grandchildren, Lilly and Scarlett Harris. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Helen J. Poling.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur with Pastor John McCullough and Pastor Ed Karges officiating. Interment will follow at Decatur Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the American Legion Post #43 Color Guard.

Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur and one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the funeral home. 

Preferred memorials are to Honor Flight Northeast Indiana or Union Chapel Church. 

Arrangements are by Zwick and Jahn Funeral Homes of Decatur, Indiana.