Carl John Gahwiler

Carl John Gahwiler, 77, passed away May 11, 2020 from complications after heart surgery for
mitral valve repair. He was in the hospital 60 days before coming home where he was
surrounded by the love of his family for his final hours.
Carl was born March 12, 1943 to Joseph and Adeline Gahwiler in Monroe, Wisconsin. Along
with an older brother and a younger sister Carl grew up on a small dairy farm near
Blanchardville, where he learned a strong work ethic.
For his first 8 years of schooling he walked to a one room country school, Postville. He
attended Blanchardville High School where he was president of his high school class and co-captain of his football team.
He grew up without TV until the age of 17. He played games with
his family, invented games, read, and listened to the radio. Due to the demands of farm work
and milking cows there was little chance for travel. Carl made up for that by becoming an
international businessman who managed and traveled most areas of the world and loved
working with people of diverse backgrounds.
In 1966 Carl graduated from Iowa State University, began his 33 1/2 year career with Eli Lilly
and Company, and married Donna Jeanine Sue Thornton. They would have celebrated 54
years of marriage in July. What a wonderful life together they had!
Carl was known for his sense of humor, his intelligence, his organization, his love of family, and
his integrity. A devout man, he was known to pray everyday for years for friends and family,
though he did not believe in pushing his religion on others. He loved history and maps. In 1971
Carl got his Master’s Degree from Butler University in economics, in which he had a lifelong
interest. Most of his career with Lilly was with ELANCO, where he eventually became an
executive director.
In addition to Indianapolis he took his family to live in St. Louis, MO; Taipei, Taiwan; and Kobe,
Japan. In retirement he continued to travel, was in the Indianapolis Hosta Society, and a
multiple past president of the Indiana Council on World Affairs. He belonged to St. Monica
Catholic Church.
Many who worked for him described him as the best boss they ever had. He had a keen ability
to focus on the purpose of the job but always kept the philosophy of Eli Lilly, the founder of the
company, that the people who worked there were the greatest asset. He treated others with
respect no matter their nationality or the color of their skin. He expected excellence but led by
example.
Carl is survived by his wife, Donna, their 4 children: Christina (Geoff) Spiess and Carla Taylor of
Carmel, IN; Lisa (Zach) Newcomer of Mequon, WI; Paul J. Gahwiler of Indianapolis, IN; 7
grandchildren; 2 siblings, Joe (Bonnie) Gahwiler of MN and Mary Reich of WI; and many
nieces, nephews, and cousins, both in the United States and in Switzerland.

Visitation will be at Flanner Buchanan-Zionsville, 105 W. Pine St., Zionsville, IN from 5-8
pm, Wednesday, June 3. The funeral is 11 am, Thursday, June 4, at the same location. Social
distancing and face masks are requested. Interment will follow at Old Pleasant Hill Cemetery in
Indianapolis.

Flowers for the funeral are appreciated. If preferred, memorial contributions may also be made in Carl‘s honor to IU Health Foundation at to IU Health Hospice Foundation at iuhealthfoundation.org/donate (select “IU Health Statewide” and then “Please direct my gift to – other” and  reference fund # 7047) or mail a check referencing #7047 to PO Box #775589, Chicago, IL 60677.

Additionally, memorial donations will be taken by Food For The Poor via mail or phone at:
6401 Lyons Rd
Coconut Creek, FL 33073
954-427-2222 ext. 6061

Please be sure to clearly write “ In memory of Carl Gahwiler“ if mailing a check. Thank you