Donald Anthony Gedert, 89, passed away peacefully at home in Cloverdale following a brief illness.
He was born January 12, 1936, to Raymond and Dorothy (Schmitt) in Toledo, Ohio.
He was married to Kathryn L. Berry on July 9, 1955, while he was in the Army. His sales career included autos, insurance, and affordable housing for local families. In 1967, he began Ottawa Instant Homes. He was the President of the Indiana Manufactured Housing Association in 1978. In 1989, he became the sole developer of Stardust Hills.
Outside of work, his main interest was cars, including restoring classic ones. He was an Indy Car fan and attended 60 Indy 500 races. He was part owner of Lincoln Park Speedway for several years.
Don is survived by Kay; children, T/Don (Catherine) Gedert Jr, Lisa Gedert, Linda (Greg) Hallaman, and Ray (Ellen) Gedert; grandchildren – Tony Gedert, Max (Caitlin) Beatty, Jackson (Molly) Beatty, Jacob (Michael) Stromatt, Joseph Stromatt, Josh (Caitlyn) Stromatt, Matthew (Shaunna) Briggs, and Alison Briggs; 4 great-grandchildren. Sister, Mary Jean (Tom) McCarty and brother, Francis (Mary Ellen) Gedert. He was preceded in death by brothers: Raymond, Michael, Thomas, Charles, Richard, Edward, and Dale; sisters: Kathleen, Beatrice and Michelle.
Calling hours and visitation will be Friday, May 23 from 4-8 pm at Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 24 at 12:00 noon at St Paul the Apostle Catholic Church.
Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Putnam County Foundation.
