David R. Gartner

DAVID RICHARD GARTNER June 17, 1951 - December 1, 2014 David Richard Gartner, age 63 a life long Park Rapids, MN area resident, peacefully entered eternity on Monday, December 1, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loved ones, following a valiant battle against COPD and lung cancer. Dave was born on June 17, 1951 in Park Rapids to Richard and Margaret (Long) Gartner. He attended public school in Park Rapids where he was a standout long distance runner with the Cross Country team. He graduated from high school with the Class of 1969. As a young man, Dave ventured to Minneapolis where he began a life long career operating heavy equipment building roads, sewer systems and other large construction projects throughout the region. He was united in marriage to June Sandberg in August of 1973. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Ken, Scott and Christina. Early in their marriage they resided in Spring Lake Park for several years before returning to the Park Rapids area. Dave later gained employment with the Ralph Sanquist Excavating Company in Park Rapids where he enjoyed working for a number of years. He joined the Local #49 Operating Engineers Union and worked for various companies throughout the area. In 2000, Dave began working for the Dennis Drewes Company and operated heavy equipment for them for over a decade. His life was made complete in his marriage to his soulmate, Cheryl Ann Ford-Harlow on June 17, 2001. They happily made their home together in Park Rapids throughout their marriage. Dave also worked on the pipeline until his health failed and forced him into early retirement. Throughout his life time, Dave loved motorcycling and in 2009 he joined the Patriot Guard Motorcycle Group honoring deceased veterans. He also enjoyed spending time at his second home, The Great Northern Café, where he spent many hours having coffee with friends and making new friends from his well respected stool at the front counter. He enjoyed the annual deer hunts with his family and friends. Above all, Dave loved investing his life into the lives of his children and grandchildren who he loved with all his heart. His life was deeply affected by the death of his mother this past June and the tragic death of his son, Scott in an automobile accident on September 30th. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Cheryl Ann; his son, Ken (Tammy) Gartner of Park Rapids; his daughter, Christina Gartner of Park Rapids; his five precious grand children: Alyssa, Brandon, Aaron, Leona and Kenneth Shayne Jr.; two step-sons: Mike (Michelle) Harlow of Grand Forks and Jerid Harlow of Fargo; step-grandchildren: Tyler, Emma, Kaydee, Jackson and Lylian; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Dave was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Roy Dean; his son, Scott; his grandson, Ethan and a very special friend, Mary Wilson. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 AM Saturday, December 6, 2014 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Two Inlets with Father Tom Friedl officiating. The music will be led by the St. Mary's Funeral Choir and the organist will be Mary Schmitz. The casket bearers will be: Ray Gartner, Mike Harlow, Jerid Harlow, Steve Kelly, Dave Hacker, Shane Germolus and Dwight Drewes. The honorary casket bearers will be the cast and crew of the Great Northern Café. Interment will be made in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM Friday, December 5 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids. To view the video tribute or to leave on line condolences please visit www.jones-pearson.com.