Gretchen Louise (Lankenau) Ehler

GRETCHEN LOUISE (LANKENAU) EHLER, 84 of Sidney, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 8:25 AM at Ohio Living Dorothy Love.

She was born on October 27, 1940, in Decatur, Indiana. Preceded in death by her parents Edythe I. (Johnson) Lankenau-Stahly and Herman L. Lankenau. She was also preceded in death by her infant son, Trenton Louis Ehler, and her two sisters, Gaynel Lankenau and Alyce Bogan. 

Gretchen graduated from Decatur High School in 1958 and worked briefly at Lincoln Life in Fort Wayne, IN.  Gretchen married Thomas Ehler on July 2, 1960, and soon their sons arrived.  In 1962, they made their home in Sidney, Ohio after Tom came home from overseas duty with the U.S. Air Force.

Gretchen worked for Sidney City Schools as a School Bus Driver before retiring after 26 years of service.  Gretchen enjoyed driving the bus and getting to know all the children she took to and from school.  

Gretchen was a longstanding member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, the Y.M.C.A., Moose, and a lifetime member of the VFW.  Gretchen enjoyed visiting her family’s cottage at Lake Wawasee, IN and vacationing at Pelican Cove in Anna Maria Island, FL over many years. She really enjoyed working at the concession stand at Harmon Field during the IUTIS Softball seasons between 1970-1980.

Gretchen is survived by her husband Thomas A. Ehler (married 64 years); sons: Tim (Francia) Ehler, of Reynoldsburg, OH; Tony (Betsy) Ehler, of Upper Arlington, OH; and Ted (Laura) Ehler, of Brookville, OH; Grandchildren: Alex (June) Ehler, of Chicago, IL; Max, Jack, Kate and Nate Ehler; and Great-grandson, August Ehler.

Gretchen’s family was her pride and joy. She loved and was so proud of all.  Gretchen wants you all to remember that she will leave a light on for you.

A Memorial Service for Gretchen will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church with Rev. Steve Edmiston officiating. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Sidney. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 5 to 7 PM at Cromes-Edwards Funeral Home.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cromesfh.com