Donald J. Gartner, 74, Dickinson, died Monday, August 11, 2014 at his home. Don’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, August 14, 2014 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Msgr. Patrick Schumacher as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, with a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m., with Deacon Bob Zent presiding.
Don was born December 14, 1939 to Peter E. and Eva (Bleth) Gartner, at Mandan. He grew up in Glen Ullin. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad. He also took accordion lessons and played with a friend. He worked in the grocery store from his freshmen year.
Don married Janis Phillips, September 5, 1962 at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, south of Richardton. They moved to Dickinson and have resided there since, where they raised their three sons, Jeffrey, Keith and Craig. Don worked in the grocery business (Super Valu, Red Owl, Buttreys, and Albertsons) till his retirement.
He enjoyed fishing and hunting big game animals, and has many trophies. He hunted in Montana, Idaho, North Dakota, Northwest Territories, and Saskatchewan. He loved old time music and playing the accordion. He and Janis would go dancing, to waltzes and polkas on Saturday night. He also had an interest in woodworking, and built different items. Since retirement, he enjoyed going for rides in the country checking for wildlife. Don loved his flowers, especially his petunias and geraniums.
Don is survived by his wife, Janis; their three sons, Jeffrey, Dickinson, Keith (Lori), Lefor, and Craig (Melanie), Bismarck; grandsons, Rustin (Missy), Cole (Tiffany), Casey, and Barak Gartner; step-grandson, Tim Jensen; great-grandson, Corbin Gartner; sister, Carol (Dennis) Sebastian, Hebron; and niece and nephew, Brenda and Larry. He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter E. and Eva Gartner.
