Ron Gartner
May 6, 1947 - March 6, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Ronald (Ron) Gartner on March 6, 2026, at the age of 78.
Dad was born to Adam and Emelia Gartner on May 6, 1947, in Macklin, Saskatchewan. He was the eighth of 17 children, which made for countless tales of their upbringing, supersized Christmases, milestone birthdays, and family reunions over the years.
Dad finished high school and began his life in Rosetown in 1968, taking his first job with Federated Co-op where he met Caroline Hoffart (Mom). Dad and Mom were married in the little church at Brock on May 8, 1971. They soon created a life and family together in their home on Young Street.
Devoted to his clients and the community, Dad would work for nearly 40 years for Co-op. He took immense pride in his job, demonstrating for us the values of commitment and hard work. Dad never hesitated to take a call to help one of the area farmers, at almost any hour of the day or week.
Dad and Mom traveled in early retirement and continued their adventures in the camper trailer. He enjoyed time spent in the yard, planting and reaping the harvest of the garden, tending to the birds at the feeder and fish in the pond. Dad could often be found puttering away in the garage with the radio on. He became skilled at making noodles, soup, and baking various treats.
Dad was warm, kind and made connections easily. He enjoyed his coffee circle, and making time to stay connected with friends throughout the farming and church community. Dad spent many hours volunteering in various capacities, with a particular dedication to the Knights of Columbus, where he held various roles over the lifetime of his membership.
Dad was steady in his demeanor and had a calming presence about him. Though he had many health challenges over the last 15 years, Dad faced them with optimism, courage, and strength. Dad was a man of deep faith, and we draw comfort knowing that his belief was unwavering.
Dad is survived by his sweetheart of nearly 55 years, Caroline, and his three children, Cameron (Patricia), Candace, and Glenda. His three grandsons, Evan, Lucas and Caleb, were his pride and joy. Dad is survived by siblings Marie, Agnes (Paul), Ludwina (Jerome), his twin Richard, Pat (Marg), Tony, Betty Anne (Wayne), David (Joanne), Robert (Joyce), Janet (John), Pius, Bernard (Barb), sisters-in-law Joyce, Diane (Les), brothers-in-law David (Linda), Michael, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dad was preceded in death by his parents, Adam and Emelia, brothers Francis, Leonard and Michael, sister Leona, sisters-in-law Jeanette, Denise and Shannon, nephews Jason and Greg, his father-in-law Peter and mother-in-law Mary.
We have felt love and kindness through every shared moment, visit, call, text message, and delivery of food in recent weeks. Dad and Mom made their life in Rosetown, and the community has wrapped its arms around them.
We are infinitely grateful for the personal, compassionate care from the entire staff at Rosetown & District Health Centre and Rose Villa. All Dad wanted was to be in Rosetown, close to home. The tenderness shown to Dad in his last moments will be cherished in our hearts forever.
Prayers were held at St. Theresa’s Roman Catholic Parish in Rosetown, Saskatchewan on Thursday, March 12. The Funeral Mass was held on Friday, March 13 at St. Theresa’s with Father Habila Musa presiding.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alex Ositis Foundation.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Shanidar Funeral Services.