Peter J. “Pete” Gartner, 83, Richardton, died Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at his home. Pete’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Monday, November 23, 2009 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton with Fr. Boniface Muggli, OSB as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Richardton. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday at Ladbury Funeral Service, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday at the church, and will continue one hour prior to services on Monday. There will be a rosary and vigil at 7 p.m., Sunday at the church.
Peter J. Gartner was born September 10, 1926 in Richardton the son of Peter and Charlotte “Lottie” (Gallagher) Gartner. When he was only two years old, his father died and his mother married Fred Rummel. Pete was raised and educated in Richardton and all during his growing up time he was interested in “what made things work”.
Pete worked at various jobs in Mott and Dickinson before going to work for the North Dakota Highway Department, spending 15 years with them as a mechanic. Upon his retirement he returned to Richardton. He also during this time also found great pleasure in helping on the farm with fixing things or working at other tasks.
Pete was a member of the Eagle’s, Knights of Columbus, Richardton Senior Citizens and the Richardton Saddle Club. He enjoyed reading, visiting and socializing, but especially in helping others.
Pete is survived by four siblings, Ione (Bruce) Cady, Billings, Mont., Pat (Bill) Friedt, Mott, Arnold (Bobbi) Rummel, Dickinson, and Jerry (Brenda) Rummel, Richardton; a sister-in-law, Gladys Rummel, Dickinson; and numerous nieces and nephews that he cared greatly for. Pete was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald Rummel; two nephews, Justin T. Rummel and Edward Mayer; and one great- niece, Jaylea Friedt.
