Delores J. Gehl, 86, of Fort Wayne, died Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at St. Anne Home and Retirement Community. She was born April 9, 1939 in Monroeville, the daughter of the late Clarence Baily and Teresa (Mittermeier) Baily Heck. Delores graduated from Central Catholic with the Class of '56 and on June 7, 1958, she married Marvin Gehl, who preceded her in death on April 11, 1979. She had a long career as a bookkeeper, working for various companies, but ultimately retired from the offices of Most Precious Blood Catholic Church and School.  Delores was a member of St Jude Catholic Church and was devout in her faith. She was an avid fan of Notre Dame athletics, and since her husband was an area coach, she had the opportunity to attend many of her son's sporting events over the years. Her true joy in life was the time she spent with her family & friends. In addition to her parents and her husband, Delores was also preceded in death by two of her daughters, Melissa "Missy" Gehl and most recently Monica Gehl, as well as a brother, Clarence Baily Jr. and a sister, Jeanine Bradfield.

Delores is survived by her daughter, Teresa (Frank) Jaworski of Comstock Park MI; sons, Michael Gehl and Gregory (Kathleen) Gehl, both of Fort Wayne, and Nicholas (Amanda) Gehl of New Haven; her brother, Donald (Rose) Baily of Fort Wayne; 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30am Friday January 23, 2026 in St. Jude Catholic Church, 2155 Randallia Drive, with visitation from 9:30-10:30am in the church. Visitation also on Thursday from 4-8pm at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 2500 Lake Ave, with the Rosary at 3:30pm. Burial in Catholic Cemetery. The family's preferred memorial is St Jude Catholic Church. To share remembrance of Delores or to offer condolences to her family, please visit DivineMercyFuneralHome.com.

Eternal Rest grant unto her O Lord,

and let Perpetual Light shine upon her.

.