Born in Oak Harbor, Ohio, and raised on a farm there, was the youngest of 13 children.

After graduating from Bowling Green State University in 1943 with a bachelor's degree in business administration, Gaeth enlisted in the US Navy serving in both the Atlantic and Pacific during World War II and received the Purple Heart.

Gaeth entered public service in 1962 as Defiance's part-time safety director, at the request of then-Mayor Robert Galliers.

Three years later, when Mr. Galliers decided not to seek re-election, local Republicans asked Mr. Gaeth to run for mayor.

Gaeth's first state Senate campaign began at the request of Mr. Cook, his predecessor who in 1974 declared his candidacy for lieutenant governor.