03/09/2026
Ron GARTNER Obituary
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 (many of which we learned to be true), supersized Christmases, milestone birthdays, and family reunions over the years.
Dad finished high school (though we never did find his report card) 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 – Dad in his cowboy boots – on May 8, 1971. They soon created a life and family together in Rosetown, from the beloved “Clark House” to the house Mom’s brothers helped to build on Young Street, which they have called home for 45 years.
Devoted to his clients and the community, Dad would go on to work for nearly 40 years for Co-op, most of which as Manager of Crop and Agro Supplies. He took immense pride in his job, demonstrating for us the values of commitment and hard work. We would often go looking for him at the fertilizer shed during the busy season just to check in or to bring him dinner. Dad never hesitated to take a call to help one of the area farmers, at almost any hour of the day or week.
In their early retirement, Dad and Mom traveled to parts of both Canada and the United States. As it had during our childhood, the camper trailer journeyed across Saskatchewan and Alberta, where Dad left many campsites adorned with piles of sunflower seeds. Dad would read the paper - any paper - cover to cover. In recent years, Dad also embraced many of the domestic activities that he did not have time for during the years he worked. He enjoyed time spent in the yard ensuring a manicured lawn, planting and reaping the harvest of the garden, tending to the birds at the feeder and fish in the pond. He could often be found puttering away in the garage with the radio on. A daily ritual for him was to listen to “Boots and Salutes” on CJWW. He became skilled at making noodles, soup (for after church on Sundays) and baking various treats. Last October, he shredded by hand carrots grown in his garden and made Mom a fresh carrot cake for her birthday, complete with cream cheese icing. Dad had a sweet tooth and was often known to say something could use more icing, or more chocolate chips. Soft ice cream was a staple treat, enjoyed after awards nights, for birthdays or any occasion we could justify celebrating.
Dad was warm, kind, and made connections easily. He had a wonderful sense of humour and was often the centre of storytelling, making up games and songs for us to sing around the campfire at family reunions. Dad had deep affection for children and had a “Grandpa” or “Uncle” relationship with many, including the children that lived next door and across the street over the years. 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.
Like his mother, Dad was steady in his demeanour and had a calming presence about him on which we could always rely. Though he had many health challenges over the last 15 years, Dad faced them with optimism, courage, and strength. Before his heart bypass surgery in 2011, he looked at Mom and said, “it’s in God’s hands now”. Like his parents, 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.
Called Home ahead of him, 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.
Every shared moment, visit, call, text message, or delivery of food in recent weeks has been deeply appreciated. We have felt your kindness and love through each and every gesture. The countless stories of ways in which Dad touched the lives of so many remind us that this loss is immeasurable. 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. He always had a smile for his nurses and CCAs and a heart shape made with his hands. Dad called them all angels, and he was right. The tenderness shown to Dad in his last moments will be cherished in our hearts forever.
Prayers will be held at St. Theresa’s Roman Catholic Parish in Rosetown, Saskatchewan on Thursday, March 12 at 7:00 PM. The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 13 at 11:00 AM at St. Theresa’s with Father Habila Musa presiding. Lunch and fellowship will follow in the downstairs auditorium at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alex Ositis Foundation supporting healthcare services in Rosetown.
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