Dorothy M. (Dersch) Gage

Dorothy M. Gage, 95, of Decatur, IN, passed away on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Lutheran Hospital. In her final days she was surrounded by that which was important to her – her family and the love of children and grandchildren. She was born on February 3, 1930, in Fort Wayne, IN, the daughter of the late Clarence J. and Elise S. (Bleeke) Dersch. On February 18, 1950, Dorothy married Robert L. Gage and after 53 years he preceded her in death on January 5, 2004.

She was a parishioner of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, where she was a member of the Rosary Society and the Catholic Ladies of Columbia. She was a 1948 graduate of Decatur High School and worked as a lifelong homemaker.

Dorothy was also a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Adams Lodge 1311 and volunteered for many years at the Adams Memorial Hospital. She was an avid fan of the Indiana Hoosiers and the Indianapolis Colts.

She is survived by her 5 sons, Michael “Mick” (Becky) Gage, Timothy (Ruth) Gage, Gregory (Gerri) Gage, Eric (Missy) Gage, and Mark Gage all of Decatur, IN; 3 daughters, Sandra (Dave) Lengerich, Rebecca Strack, and Victoria (Rick) Hess all of Decatur, IN; a brother, Wilbur Dersch of Decatur, IN; 22 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren.

Dorothy was preceded in death by 2 sons-in-law, Kent Krueckeberg and Jeffry "Oz" Strack; a sister, Arlene Bentz; 4 grandchildren, Zion Gage, Jamie Gage, Benjamin Gage, and Teresa Strack; and a great grandchild.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home, with a reciting of the Holy Rosary at 3:30 p.m. The family requests that casual attire be worn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025, in St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, with visitation an hour prior to the Mass from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. in the St. Mary’s Parish Hall. Father David Ruppert and Father Dale Bauman will be concelebrating and burial will take place immediately following in St. Joesph Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Arrangements are entrusted to Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home.

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