Gerry L. Beitelschees

Gerry L. Beitelschees, 97 of Carmel, passed away Wednesday, November 15, 2023.  Gerry was born March 31, 1926 in Toledo, OH to the late Gerald and Pansy Lindroth. She was pre-ceded in death by her sister, Ms Mary Momsen, and husbands, Mr. Jack Selsemeyer and Mr. Alvin Beitelschees. She was a graduate of Northwestern University and was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority.  While at Northwestern, she met and became friends with several who would become famous; Paul Lynde, Mrs. Paul (Jackie) Newman and Claude Akins. She was also a life-long friend of Cloris Leachman.

Gerry started in the workforce in Chicago in 1948 as a secretary at Time Life, finishing her career at Time Life as a copy writer. She was the manager of The Bridal Showcase in Ann Arbor, MI and was an author, writing poems and short stories for children’s magazines and short stories for Sports Afield.  Having relocated to Indianapolis In 1979 she started Advertising Specialties, Inc. and served as president of the company for over 20 years.

Gerry was a member of King of Glory Lutheran Church, Carmel, was active in the League of Women Voters and was a volunteer for the Humane Society. Though facing many physical infirmities including the loss of hearing and being a cancer survivor her faith and indominable spirit coupled with her dry wit served as inspiration to all.

Private family services are planned for a later date.

 She is survived by her children, Dale Marie (husband, David) Fishel and Jon E. (wife, Jane) Selsemeyer; grandchildren, Leigh (husband, Nathan) Muller, Dana (husband, Chris) McComb, Eric James Selsemeyer and Erin Mae Selsemeyer; great grandchildren, Ryne Muller, Thatcher and Penelope McComb, Annie Maxine Fishel; stepchildren, Lynn (husband, Jim) Ryan, Todd (wife, Susan) Beitelschees, Amy Beitelschees (husband, Harry) Albers, Ted (wife, Julie) Beitelschees; step grandchildren, Elizabeth and Jeff Kite, Erin (husband, Mike) Dalton, Ed and Quinn Beitelschees, Lauren (husband, Andrew) Terhune; step great grandchildren, Jack and Owen Dalton, Lily and Bennet Terhune.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, Indianapolis Humane Society, Wheeler Mission or Unites Services Organization (secure.uso.org).