John Richard Gehlert Jr.

John Richard “Dick” Gehlert Jr., 77, died March 15, 2024 in Fort Wayne, IN. He was born October 1, 1946, in Detroit, MI, the son of John Richard and Elizabeth Ann Gehlert. He grew up in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI and earned his Bachelor’s in Education from Michigan State University. After college, Dick taught English in Grand Blanc, MI, and in 1975 joined the family business, Cadillac Coffee, and served at various times as President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board. In 1987 he oversaw construction of the new Cadillac headquarters in Ft. Wayne. He semi-retired in 2016 and retained ownership of the company along with his brothers. Dick is survived by his children Keith Gehlert, Julie Young, Amy (Mark) Kidwell, Amberley (Rick Foster) Ervin Gehlert, grandchildren Oliver Gehlert, Makenna (Tylar) Brockhouse, Ellie Kidwell, and Orson Leggat. He is also survived by his brothers Ken (Barb) Gehlert and Guy (Danielle) Gehlert, and so many loved ones including Melissa Delcid, Lynn Doctor, Catherine Moritz, Brandon (Bubu) Porter, and his handsome, loving, and ornery cat Joey. He is preceded in death by his devoted wife of 46 years, Christel Gehlert, who died in 2022 and son-in-law Bryan Young, who died in 2021. Dick will be remembered for his intellect, his dry humor, his love for science fiction and history, tinkering, good coffee, and his passion for travel. He was fascinated by technology and made sure his family was always the first on the block to have new computers, phones, and all the latest gadgets. A memorial service will be held 1:00 pm Saturday June 29, 2024, at Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 5310 Old Mill Road Fort Wayne, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Unitarian Universalist Congregation, or Humane Fort Wayne (humanefw.org/.) Arrangements entrusted to D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home 1140 Lake Ave. Fort Wayne, IN.