Robert L. Garoutte

Robert L. Garoutte, 93, of New Carlisle, Indiana passed away at 11:15 p.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in his home.  Robert was born on September 21, 1931 in Hudson Lake, Indiana to the late Thomas and Mabel (Galbelth) Garoutte and was a lifelong resident.  He served in the United States Army during the Korean War.  When he returned home after his service, he worked a number of jobs before deciding to go into business for himself. He first purchased the DX station on the southside and after he outgrew that he sold it and bought the Standard station across the street. He first doubled and then tripled the capacity and today it’s known as Garoutte’s Auto and Truck Center. He also a ran a tree trimming business on the weekend for many years. On December 22, 1952 he married Mary J. Dill, who survives. Robert is also survived by his three sons; Terry (Debbie) Garoutte of Newburgh, Indiana, Robert (Peggy) Garoutte of New Carlisle, Indiana and Michael Gene Garoutte of New Carlisle, Indiana, his daughter Dawn (Ed) Rice of Indianapolis, Indiana, fifteen grandchildren; Bridgette (Joe) Pollard, Jamie (Colby) Gullen, Troy (Angela) Rice, Jessica (Bobby) Smith, Molly (John) Schellinger, Jacob Michael Rice, Stephen (Ani) Garoutte, Ryan Robert Garoutte, Julie (Derrick) Weyer, Amanda (Aaron) Witmer, Christopher (Jamie) Garoutte, Shawn Barret, Julie (Tom) Brenneman, Michael (Heather) Singleton, Jeff (Kim) Hurlbut and twenty five great grandchildren. Robert was preceded in death by his daughter in law, Denise Garoutte, three sisters, Nadine Sturgis, Mary Louise Nelson and Louise Peterson and his brother Jim Garoutte.  A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, January 24, 2025 in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 201 S. Filbert Street, New Carlisle, Indiana.  Visitation will also be held from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. EDT on Saturday, January 25, 2025 in the New Carlisle Wesleyan Church.  Funeral Services will take place at 11:30 a.m. EDT Saturday in the church. A luncheon reception will follow the funeral service at the church. A procession will begin at Noon Sunday, January 26, from the Kaniewski Funeral Home, New Carlisle, Indiana to the New Carlisle Cemetery where, a Committal Service will be held. Robert was a member of the American Legion Post #297 and the V.F.W. Rolling Prairie Post #9423. He was a former Fire Chief for the New Carlisle Fire Department and was awarded the Hill and Dale Club “Toast Award” in 1984. Memorial Contributions should be directed to the New Carlisle Wesleyan Church in Robert’s honor.

In summary, Robert “Butch” Garoutte was a husband, father, son, grandpa, great grandpa, Korean War Veteran, multiple business owner, firefighter, tree trimmer, Dunkin Donut/Coffee lover, Notre Dame and NASCAR fan, a person with a heart of gold who would help anyone, stubborn, stuck in his ways, loving, champion story teller and always on the move. A man who loved life as much as life loved him. He will be missed by all who knew him.

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