Allan Ralph Gildenhar

Allan Ralph Gildenhar, 79, passed away December 6, 2025, in Fort Wayne, Ind. He was born on June 12, 1946, in Washington, D.C., to the late Ralph Gildenhar and Doris Richards. Allan was raised in Richmond, Ind., where he enjoyed playing golf with his father and younger brother, Mark Gildenhar. He graduated from Richmond High School, Class of '64, which he attended with his brother and stepsisters, Suzette and Francine Slagle.

Following graduation, Allan took a memorable road trip to the American West with his good friend, Woody Woodward, prior to his matriculation at Wabash College graduating in 1968 and earning the Wall Street Journal Student Achievement Award in Economics. In 1970, he continued his education at Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind., where he met his future wife, Phyllis Gilbert; the two would wed the same year. He completed his M.B.A. degree at I.U. in 1973, while residing in Indianapolis, and received his Indiana CPA Certification in 1979. During his career as an active CPA in Indianapolis, he worked for several entities, including Katz, Sapper & Miller.

Allan was a loving, faithful husband who enjoyed visiting state parks, attending concerts and the movies. He loved chatting with everyone he encountered, always full of questions and good humor. He spent the last years of his life residing within the Lutheran Life Villages community in Fort Wayne, Ind., where he was lovingly cared for.

Allan is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Phyllis Gildenhar; brother, Mark (Janet) Gildenhar; and nieces and nephew, Anna, Katie, and Daniel. He was preceded in death by his father's second wife, Dorothy Slagle; and stepsister, Francine Slagle.

In honoring Allan's final wishes, private services will be held at a later date. Interment at Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne, Ind.