Dorothy Veronica Gaerke, age 98, of Fort Recovery, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026, at her home.

She was born on January 8, 1928, in Cassella, Ohio to the late August and Veronica (Langenkamp) Otte.

In addition to her parents, Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband, Bernard George Gaerke, whom she married on November 6, 1948 at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Catholic Church in Cassella, Ohio, and who passed away on December 28, 1995; her son-in-law, Lynn Kruse; her siblings, Hilda (Frank) Stammen, Lauretta (Lawrence) Meyer, Marie (Aloys) Unrast, Alvina (Richard) Kunk, Urban Otte, Louis (Irene) Otte, Bernadine (Edward) Stammen, Alma (Jerome) Fullenkamp, Leonard (Loretta) Otte, Albert (Lenore) Otte, Irene Reinhard; and her in-laws, Lorine (Maurus) Forthofer, Jerome (Irene) Gaerke, Herbert (Dorothy) Gaerke, Leonard Gaerke, Cletus Homan, Harold (Eileen) Gaerke, Luella (Walter) Frank, Virgil (Marilyn) Gaerke, Charles (Wilma, Betty) Gaerke, Mary Ann (Wilbur) Homan, Virginia (Robert) Tangeman, Henry Jr. (Janet) Gaerke.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Lavern Gaerke of Fort Recovery, Michael Gaerke of Celina (4 year USAF veteran) , Mary Jane Kruse of Coldwater, Martha Gaerke of Englewood, Ohio, Richard (Cynthia) Gaerke of Fort Recovery, Elaine (Tony) Post of Fort Recovery, Kevin (Jane) Gaerke of Sharps Chapel, Tennessee, Cynthia (Glen) Steyn of Marietta, Ohio, Lorraine (Mike) Bruns of Coldwater, Angela (Joe) Schwieterman of Leo, Indiana, and Denise (Tom) Kaufman of Bellbrook, Ohio; and her 38 grandchildren, 66 great grandchildren, with 5 on the way, and her 1 great-great grandchild, with 2 on the way. She is also survived by her in-laws, Jerome Reinhard, Marcella (Richard) Topp, and Lillian Gaerke Homan.

Dorothy was the last of the Otte family and she was the devoted mother of eleven children, who were the greatest joy and purpose of her life. Her love only multiplied as her family grew to include grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, each of whom she cherished deeply. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and unconditional love, and she had a special gift for making every child feel important.

One of the greatest examples of her selfless heart was the loving care she gave to her husband during the final 15½ years of his life after he became disabled. She cared for him faithfully with remarkable strength, compassion, and devotion, demonstrating the true meaning of marriage and unconditional love.

She loved her grandchildren deeply and had a special gift for making each one seen, valued, and loved. Her gentle spirit filled their hearts.

She believed that learning never ended. She was an avid reader with a curious mind and a lifelong desire to grow in knowledge. She loved sharing what she learned and encouraging others to pursue healthy and fulfilling lives.

As a pioneer in wellness, she introduced Nature's Sunshine to our area, helping countless people discover natural approaches to health. She found great joy in serving others and was always eager to encourage and uplift those around her.

She also loved bowling, going dancing, spending time with friends and family, and creating joyful memories that will be treasured for generations. Her kindness, gentle spirit, wisdom, and generous heart touched everyone who knew her.

Although our hearts are broken, we rejoice in knowing she has been welcomed into the presence of her Lord and Savior. Her legacy of faith, perseverance, compassion, and unconditional love will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, July 3, 2026, at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Fort Recovery. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Guests may visit with Dorothy's family on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM and again on Friday from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM, at Brockman Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.brockmanboeckmanfh.com.