George Gartner

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of George F. Gartner. George passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of July 9, 2025.

George was born September 5, 1940 in Hebron, ND to parents George and Barbara Gartner. He was the youngest of 9 children, joining siblings Joseph, Thomas, Regina, Raymond, Laurabell, Marian, Betty, and Margaret. When he was just 2 years old, the family moved to Glen Ullin, ND, where he was raised and graduated from high school. He then moved to Riverton, WY where he worked for an oil production company in Gas Hills. While in Riverton, he met the love of his life, Janet Petsch. Soon after, he was drafted into the Army and served two years before being honorably discharged.

George and Janet were married August 14, 1966 in Riverton and then moved to Denver for work and to begin their lives together. To this union, their two boys were born, Jim (1968) and Jason (1971). They moved their young family back to Riverton and in 1975 Jennifer was born, completing the family. They moved to Billings, MT around 1978 and George began his career working at Northern Engineering & Testing (now known as Tetra Tech) doing geo technical testing. His analytical, detail oriented mindset served him well in this career which spanned over 39 years.

Janet’s sister, Lois and her family also lived in Billings, so the two families were always together creating countless memories during holidays, camping/boating trips, bowling and playing cards. George & Janet and John & Lois were the best of friends.

Together, George and Janet created a home where we all loved to gather for holidays, pool parties, Denver Bronco games, and family dinners. There didn't even need to be a specific occasion, we just all loved spending time at their home. Although George and Janet later divorced, they remained close friends and maintained a united family until Janet’s passing in December 2022.

George was meticulous with how he kept his home, everything always in good working order. He could fix and build anything and in fact, he did…including building a large addition to their home, completing the framework, sheet rock, plumbing, and electrical work entirely himself. He took pride in raising a large garden and keeping a well groomed yard. George was always willing to share his wealth of knowledge anytime he was asked whether it was in regards to home improvement/building projects his sons were working on or gardening tips for daughter in law, Beth.

George was a perfectionist as evident in his most impressive skill of woodworking. What started out as a hobby making wooden toys for his grandson, Zach, quickly inspired him to make exact replicas of antique cars and planes using various exotic woods. He handcrafted every piece on each car…down to the spokes on each wheel. Many parts that he spent hours working on did not meet his high level of perfection and therefore didn’t get used on the cars. It is difficult to quantify the time spent or adequately put into words the intricate details that he put into these cars and planes. George received many awards for his incredible works of art and he was

featured in American Woodworker’s Magazine. Everyone who sees these treasures that we cherish, are in awe of George’s amazing attention to detail, patience and talents.

Above all things, George loved his family and was a very proud Dad, Papa, Brother and Uncle. He was a man of few words but loved the family gatherings and especially the bantering amongst his kids and grandkids. George always wore a smile. He was a hardworker, kind, patient, quiet, generous, gentle, creative, devoted and loyal.

George was one who never wanted to burden anyone, yet always grateful for what others did for him. We are also very grateful specifically to Jason and Beth for their selflessness in being George’s primary caregivers throughout the past several years. Our entire family also wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to George’s nurse, Paula with Riverstone Health, for the compassionate care she provided to our dad and Papa. We are forever grateful.

George was preceded in death by Janet, his parents, and all of his siblings.

He is survived by his sons; Jim (Jeanette ‘JJ’), and Jason (Beth); and daughter Jennifer Schaaf (Jason Monroe); grandchildren Zachery Gartner, Jessica Strand (Alex), Jared Schaaf, Jace Schaaf, Justin Gartner and Grace Gartner; and great grandson Rowan George Strand; sisters-in-law Lois Divelbiss (John) & family and Jeannie Cox (Jim) & family.

George’s funeral service will be held at Michelotti-Sawyers Funeral Chapel on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 9:30 am with interment following at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park.