Claude Earl Gaier of Pleasant Valley, NY passed away in his home on October 18, 2025 at the age of 95. He was born on February 7, 1930 in Columbus Indiana, to Carl and Florence (Keller) Gaier. He was predeceased by two sisters, Georgia Threlkeld of Missouri and Norma Rudolph of Indiana, and one brother, Clyde Gaier of California.
Claude is survived by his wife Lucille and 4 children: Delmos, Deryl, Lori, and Dale, 10 grandchildren (all boys) and 6 great-grandchildren.

Claude grew up on a small farm in Bartholomew County, Indiana and attended a one room grade school. During the last 3 years of high school, he and his brother drove a milk truck route, taking fresh milk to the dairy every morning, and collecting the empty milk cans after school. Claude graduated from Columbus High School in 1948.

Claude married Lucille Meyer on May 13,1951 and within a few days received his draft notice. He served 2 years in the Army, spending one year in Korea as a company clerk. He was proud of his years of service.
He came to New York in 1961 to work for IBM in Poughkeepsie, NY. In 1968 he completed his Bachelor's degree at Marist College. He was employed at IBM until retiring in 1987. He also became interested in photography, and spent several years working part time as a wedding photographer. Since retiring, he spent his time working on his house and garden and traveling with his wife in their travel trailer.
One of his proudest accomplishments was being an avid blood donor. He gave about 20 gallons of blood over his lifetime.

Viewing hours will be at Parmele, Auchmoody & Schoonmaker Funeral Home, 110 Fulton Ave., Poughkeepsie on Wednesday October 22 from 5-7pm with a graveside service being held the following day at noon at the Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church gravesite.

In place of flowers, Lucille asks that any donations be sent to Freedom Plains Presbyterian Church or St. Jude's Children's Hospital, @https://www.stjude.org/.