Arlene J. (Plank) Gangwer

Arlene Gangwer, 89, breathed her last at 1:40 am on Feb 10, 2025, at Mulberry Health with her daughter holding her hand as her earthly body was set free.

Arlene was born December 6, 1935, to Truman and Genevieve (Wise) Plank, Arlene grew up on various farms in Carroll County. From an early age, her father put her on top of their draft horse team and she fell in love with farming. Later the family moved to the Cutler area, where they milked cows in their infamous round barn.

On April 10, 1955, Arlene married her sweetheart, Robert Gangwer, in her parent’s home. They shared 61 years together before his passing in 2016. Arlene became a devoted farm wife and mother, raising five children. She maintained a garden and helped tend to the cows, pigs, and sheep - many had an affinity for escape, including one instance when a sheep boarded the school bus. Arlene was an exceptional cook, a passion she passed down to her children. She especially cherished hosting her grandchildren for Christmas Cookie baking sessions when they were young.

Arlene worked for over a decade in food service at Tarkington Hall at Purdue. She was also one of the original founders of the Rossville Ambulance Service and proudly served as one of its first EMT’s.

In her later years, Arlene moved to the Cottages at Mulberry, which she adored. She enjoyed reading, bird watching, word searches, and any adventure someone would take her on- provided they did the driving.

She is survived by her sister Donnabelle Ferrill North Carolina and five children, Debbie Shockey of Delphi, Sondra (Larry) Lambert of Maryland, Dan (Karen) Gangwer of Lafayette, Dean (Kim) Gangwer and Gail (Andy) Ladd of Cutler. 12 grandchildren: Richard Goris, Lana Crum, Nick Lambert, Bryan Lambert, Rachel Duncan, Lloyd Gangwer, Monica Kamp, Ashley Gamboa, Dustin Gangwer, Montana Gangwer, Austin Ladd and Ethan Ladd as well as 18 great grandchildren and counting. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and one great grandchild. 

Visitation will be held from Tuesday, February 18, 2025, from 11am until the time of the service at 1pm at Day & Genda Funeral Home ~ Bodine Chapel in Rossville. Pastor Bob Raschka will officiate. Burial will follow at Ball Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Arlene’s honor to the Rossville Volunteer Ambulance Service. Messages of condolence may be left at www.dayandgenda.com.