ForeverMissed
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William M. Gartner, 84, passed away on July 26, 2012, while sailing on the Baltic Sea. He was born June 29, 1928, in Baltimore, MD, to Martin and Helen Gartner.  After graduating high school, he joined the army and embarked on a 22-year career that took him to Batolz and Munich, Germany; Trieste, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; San Francisco, CA; and finally, Denver, CO; he ended his career as a Master Sergeant.   While stationed in Germany, he met his first wife, Trudy, and helped her family relocate from East Germany while the wall between East and West Germany was being built.  He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver, and a master’s degree from Concordia University in Minneapolis, MN, and had a long, successful career in hospital administration up until his retirement in 1993. He was the administrator of hospitals in Kenmare, ND, Saranac Lake, NY, Middlebury, VT, Delta and Burlington, CO. Bill loved to read, enjoyed listening to classical music, opera, and the big band standards, and ended every day with a glass of Chivas. He had a passion for travelling and especially loved cruising and sailing. He was preceded in death by his two beloved wives, Trudy and Angela. He is survived by his sons, Frederick (Gina) and Ivan (Carol); his step-children, Theresa (Brian), Frank (Elizabeth), and Tricia (Tim); grand-children, Christine (Rick), Devin, Stefan, Benjamin, and Daniel;  great-grand-children, Dustin, Alexandra, Tiara, and Logan; sister, Gloria Fisher; nieces Karen and Joan; sister-in-law Anita Bendler. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 23rd, at 1pm, St. Gregory's Episcopal Church, 6653 West Chatfield Avenue, Littleton, CO 80128.

June 30, 2023
June 30, 2023
I fondly remember Uncle Bill who I shared a birthday with. He always understood how I felt like I was the stepchild of the family because I think he felt the same way. Whatever we did it wasn’t enough. That’s why I loved him so much and felt such a close connection.
June 29, 2021
June 29, 2021
I can’t believe it’s been three years since Uncle Bill has left us. I often think fondly of our last weeks together and am so glad we had that time. We was so loving and kind.
June 30, 2016
June 30, 2016
Uncle Bill and I shared the same birthday and I always felt a special bond with him even though he always lived so far away. I was so glad he was able to spend a couple of weeks with us a few months before he passed away. He seemed to know that his time in this world was limited. I loved him so much and will miss him always!
August 21, 2012
August 21, 2012
When I was 16 years old, Bill became my Dad when he married my Mom, Angela. He was a great Dad! Thank you Fred and Ivan for sharing your Dad with me. He was a very special man with a huge capacity for love. I thank God for putting Bill in my life...I was truly blessed. I miss him so very much. I know with absolute certainty that we'll see each other again. God Speed, Bill
August 20, 2012
August 20, 2012
Thank you for being a great father in law and the good times shared.
You were truely special in every way and we will all miss the lively conversations. 
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May peace find you in the knowledge that he loved, laughed and lived well.
August 16, 2012
August 16, 2012
When we last spoke Mr. Bill asked me "are you really ok?" That touched me to know he really cared! Great man with a caring heart.

May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead.
August 12, 2012
August 12, 2012
Ich durfte Onkel Bill als einen lustigen und offenen Menschen kennen lernen. Irgendwann werden wir uns alle wiedersehen und dann trinken wir gemeinsam ein Glas Chivas.
Ruhe in Frieden Onkel Bill
August 11, 2012
August 11, 2012
Bill has been the most wonderfull brother in law I've ever had.
We will miss him, but he allways will be in our hearts !
Some day we'll meet again .
August 10, 2012
My Grand Pop was a major inspiration in my life. He was a great mentor and teacher. He brought our family closer with his outragous dinner discussion and his ability to try and make us think outside the box (inside his box). He made his love for his family well known- for that I feel lucky to have had him as a part of my life. Until we meet again!

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Recent Tributes
June 30, 2023
June 30, 2023
I fondly remember Uncle Bill who I shared a birthday with. He always understood how I felt like I was the stepchild of the family because I think he felt the same way. Whatever we did it wasn’t enough. That’s why I loved him so much and felt such a close connection.
June 29, 2021
June 29, 2021
I can’t believe it’s been three years since Uncle Bill has left us. I often think fondly of our last weeks together and am so glad we had that time. We was so loving and kind.
June 30, 2016
June 30, 2016
Uncle Bill and I shared the same birthday and I always felt a special bond with him even though he always lived so far away. I was so glad he was able to spend a couple of weeks with us a few months before he passed away. He seemed to know that his time in this world was limited. I loved him so much and will miss him always!
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