Merrit D. Gangwer

Merrit Dwayne Gangwer , age 97, of Ligonier IN, passed away Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at his residence in Ligonier, IN.  He was born on January 16, 1921, in Ligonier, IN, to John and Thella (Sparrow) Gangwer.

On January 14, 1947, he married Nancy Lou Hawkins in Goshen, IN; she survives.

Merrit served his country honorably in the United States Army from 1942 – 1945. He was honorably discharged and awarded a purple heart medal due to an ambush that took place after he landed on Utah Beach in the Invasion of Normandy.  He operated many types of trucks throughout his career working for various R.V. Companies and after retirement he and Nancy purchased an R.V. and traveled West during the Winter months.  Any other time was devoted to his family, spending time in Nature, and taking care of his dog, Nikko.  So many memories fill their hearts and keep his family smiling.  His kind nature and forgiving self will be missed by so many.

Merrit is survived by his wife of 71 years, Nancy Lou Hawkins of Ligonier, IN; daughter: Patsy Pippenger of Elkhart, IN; six grandchildren: Dave Schmidt, Terrel, Troy and Tracy Pippenger, Spenser Strong and his significant other, Natasha Smith, of Cromwell, IN, Veronica Strong of Ligonier, IN; four great grandchildren: Wesley Strong of Cromwell, IN, Jaylyn Coy and Xavia Strong of Ligonier, IN; Nova Strong of Cromwell, IN; two brothers: Delvin Gangwer, of Middlebury, IN, and Delbert Gangwer, of New Paris, IN.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Thella Gangwer; his daughter, Linda Strong who recently passed away in February of this year; six sisters: Laura Alfrey, Maxine Tedrick, Helen Stanger, Latice Smith, Geraldine Gangwer Tracy, Mary “Eileen” Mynhier; three brothers: Hershal, Delois, and Thurlow Gangwer; along with his loving dog, Nikko.

A funeral service in his honor will be on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at Yeager Funeral Home at 2 PM. Burial will take place at a later date at Sparta Cemetery in Kimmell, IN.

Visitation will be from 2PM-4 PM & 5PM-7PM Friday, September 7, 2018 at Yeager Funeral Home, 1589 Lincolnway South, Ligonier, IN 46767. Friends may also call one hour prior to the funeral service at the funeral home on Saturday.