Obituary of Theadore Gartner

After a lengthy battle with Parkinson's, Ted Gartner passed away peacefully at Unity Hospital on April 14, 2014 at the age of 79 years. Ted was born on November 26, 1934 on his parents, Joseph & Magdalena (nee Brost) homestead near St. Donatus, Saskatchewan. He was the second oldest of twelve children. On August 4, 1957 Ted married Hildegarde Weinkauf from Grosswerder, Saskatchewan. They built a new home across the road from his parents homestead 4 miles west of Macklin. In the 34 Years that they lived on the farm they put down roots of faith, family and friends. Ted spent all his life as a mixed farmer and was true to the green (John Deere). Ted valued hard work but knew how to have good time. He enjoyed curling, big game hunting and fishing, dancing and loved coaching his daughter's; everyone knew it was just to keep an eye on them. He spent any spare time taking his kids to their many sports from hockey, basketball, volleyball, swimming, curling, and ball. We will never forget his love for a good debate, his spirit and large presence in the room which carried over into many leadership roles in the community. He was Reeve and Councillor for 18 years for the RM of Eye Hill, on the Macklin School Board and on committees like the revitalization/build of St. Mary's Church, Villa Marie, and St. Joseph's Health Centre. In 1991 Ted and Hildegarde moved to Macklin with the youngest sons, Jason and Chris and spent his time golfing, woodworking, dancing, wine making, playing poker and pool with his buddies. He loved to spend time with his many grandchildren and hearing about their many achievements. He always wanted to know every medal they won, every event and academic endeavours they were involved in and to hear them sing, play the piano or other instruments at Christmas. He is very proud of his grandchildren's academic achievements in colleges, trades and university. Ted will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by his loving wife of 56 years, Hildegarde; and will remain an inspiration to his ten children, Karen (Tony), Leslie (Heather), Terry (Loreen), Jeannie (Tom), Joanne (Alvin), Rita, Kim (Colleen), Pat Caroline), Jason, Chris, 24 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Ted leaves behind and will be missed by his nine brothers and sisters, numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Ted was predeceased by his mother (Magdalena), father (Joseph), sister (Angelina) and brother (Wilfred) and daughter-in-law (Paula).