Carl R. Gangwer, 86, of Rockford, OH passed away early Wednesday morning, January 21, 2026.

Carl was born August 6, 1939 in Kimmell, Indiana. He was the son of the late Hershel and Cora (Johnston) Gangwer. On February 14th , 1965 Carl married the former Sharon Y. Gephart, who preceded him in death on November 12th, 2010.

After graduating from Cromwell High School in 1957, Carl served in the U. S. Army. Upon discharge from the Army, he went on to work for Navistar until retirement. Retirement did not mean Carl stopped working. He loved driving, traveling, and driving school bus for Parkway Local Schools.

Carl enjoyed spending time with his family, playing cornhole and golfing. He also had a reputation for tossing tootsie rolls at Parkway sporting events. Carl never knew a stranger, and he would strike up a conversation with anyone.

Surviving are Carl's son, Michael Gangwer of Rockford, Ohio; his sister, Shirley (John) Bennett of Roundup, Montana; his companion, Paulette Fouts of Sylvania, Ohio; five grandchildren, Krystal Gangwer, Kayla (Matt) Rupright, Kristopher (Allison) Gangwer, Karie (Eric Stephenson) Gangwer, and Georgia (Matt Long) Gangwer; ten great grandchildren, Izabella, Addelyn, Landon, Kayson, Tayley, Maleigha, Wyatt, Kyler, Ivy, and Ellie; four brothers-in-law, Robert Gephart, Dick Gephart, Randy Gephart, and Rolland Miller; a beloved family friend, Lisa Boznango; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm Tuesday afternoon, January 27th, 2026, at Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882 with Pastor Mark Ralph officiating. Burial, with military rites, will follow at Riverside Cemetery, 3133 US Route 33, Rockford, Ohio 45882.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm Monday, January 26, 2026 at Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home. They will also receive visitors one hour prior to the funeral service, from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm Tuesday January 27th, 2026 at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in memory of Carl may be sent to the Parkway Athletic Booster Club, 400 Buckeye Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882.

Online condolences may be shared at www.ketchamripley.com.