Patsy Sue Gerig

Patsy Sue Gerig, 82, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 23, 2026. She was at home with her son on one side and daughter on her other side, as they lovingly comforted her into the arms of Jesus. Born April 28, 1944, in Fort Wayne, Patsy was the daughter of the late Edward and Ruth Insley.

Patsy graduated from New Haven High School in 1962 and went on to earn an associate’s degree in business. Her steady dedication and generous willingness to shoulder responsibility were evident. She began working at G.S. Means, later helping keep the books from the start of a family business, Gerig’s Trucking and Gerig’s Truck Repair and Welding. She took particular pride in earning her broker’s license in real estate. Patsy also worked as a bookkeeper at Don Ayers for approximately 10 years and spent another 15 years in data entry with the United States Post Office, retiring in 2009.

In her younger years, Patsy found joy on the water, water skiing and spending time at the lake, where she especially loved listening to the rain. Holidays were important to her, especially at Christmas, when the house was always decorated with trees, trains, houses, nativities, and even decorations on the roof. Christmas music playing in the background from her records was a constant. She always loved her pets; dogs, cats, and even a monkey. As she aged, she delighted in quieter pastimes including building puzzles, working word searches, crossword puzzles, and computer games. She also collected coins. Patsy enjoyed her independence and quiet time but also made time for her grandchildren 2-3 times each week.

Those who knew Patsy knew she was strong, feisty, and very opinionated. She did love a good laugh and was known to play a practical joke, which would remind friends and family not to take life too seriously. Even during life’s demands, Patsy’s care for her kids, her parents, and others, remained constant. She was a helper, the first to shovel the snow for elderly neighbors and make grocery shopping runs. She would have given the shirt off her back to make sure her family was taken care of. Patsy also spent many years collecting money and walking miles for the March of Dimes. She enjoyed a simple life and was very content.

Patsy is survived by her daughter, Michelle (Ryan) Schoenefeld of Fort Wayne, IN; son, Brian (Sara) Gerig of Leo, IN; sister, Carlene Phillips of Fort Wayne, IN; grandchildren, Johnny Schoenefeld, Taylor Lynn Schoenefeld, Larry (Mady) Schoenefeld; nieces, Judith (Brad) Myers, Deanna (Kurt) Spivey; great nephews, Derek Myers, Craig Myers, Gunnar Williams, Rhett Williams; and great niece, Kenna Spivey.

Sunday November 1, 2026 ~ 1pm visitation, followed by the funeral service at 3pm, at D.O McComb and Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, IN.

Private burial at Covington Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to March of Dimes or to the A Hope Center.