Gordon Edward Kaake

Gordon Edward Kaake was born in Flint, Michigan, on November 27, 1939, to Leola and Gordon Kaake. He grew up in Michigan, a gifted athlete who played on his high school’s football, baseball, and basketball teams. Interested in aviation at an early age, he qualified for entry into the United States Air Force Academy by senatorial recommendation. Unfortunately a football injury sidelined his dream of becoming a jet pilot. Accepted into his choice of Ivy League schools, he decided upon and graduated from Yale University in 1962. While at Yale he competed on the University’s football and baseball teams, including Yale’s famous undefeated football team of 1962. Upon graduation he began work at Lincoln National Life Insurance Company and soon after met the love of his life, Susan. They were wed on September 25, 1965. Eventually settling in Indiana, he began his lifelong career at Gardner and White. During his insurance career Ed was not only a Certified Life Underwriter but a Certified Financial Planner as well. 

Ed’s life was one of service and he shared his prolific athletic knowledge with the fortunate athletes of the Babe Ruth Baseball League, Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s football program, his daughter’s Carmel Dad’s Club softball teams, and, most proudly – his grandson, Dakota’s, many Carmel Dad’s Club baseball teams. A principled man of faith, he coached and mentored not only with a focus on developing the athletic prowess of his players, but their character as young men and women as well. He also served as President, with Susan at his side, of the Carmel Ambassadors’ Parents Club during their daughter, Julie’s, time as a Carmel High School Ambassador. 

An avid outdoorsman, Ed made multiple camping, hiking, and fishing trips to Alaska, Canada, The Grand Tetons, The Smoky Mountains, The Rocky Mountains, and The Grand Canyon. He captured his adventures in his beautiful nature photography. 

His love of aviation led him to earn his private pilot’s license, becoming both VFR and IFR rated. He served as a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 67, heading and pulling numerous security details with the Warbirds of America across the country.  

Ed went to be with his Savior Jesus Christ on August 23, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Susan, and his daughters, Julie and Lisa (Steve), as well as three grandchildren, Brittany (John), Dakota (Grace), and Brady, and two great grandchildren. 

In lieu of funeral services, anyone wishing to honor Ed’s memory can make a donation to Chapter 67 Young Eagles Ride, 14782 Promise Road, Noblesville, IN 46060. 

Condolences: www.randallroberts.com