Ronald E. Gantner

Ronald "Ron" Eugene Gantner, 84, of St. Louis, MO, passed away on Saturday, January 1, 2022. Beloved husband of 64 years of Betty Jean (nee Rufff) Gantner; loving father of Susan Gantner, Ronald Gantner, William (Jennifer) Gantner, and the late Rebecca Ng; dear father-in-law of Sonny Ng; dear grandfather of Mary, Sean, Eric, and Lilianna; great-grandfather of Caleb, Hunter, Allyson, Alexis, and Payton. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Veronica (nee Stolle) Gantner; step-mother Nettie Gantner; brothers Joseph, Robert, Thomas, and Stephen; sister Delores; and step-siblings Barb and John. He is survived by his brothers, Lee, James, and Raymond; sister Dorothy; and sisters-in-law Barb, Terry, and Sandy

Ron's working career began at a young age, suckering tomatoes in his father's garden. Using his skills, he learned as a union brick layer, he built a home, assisted by his brothers, for his young family. After nine years of night school, Ron graduated with honors from Washington University with a BA in Mathematics and a minor in Chemistry, an achievement that was documented by the St. Louis Globe Democrat newspaper! He was a computer software engineer in the field of aeronautics for many years, eventually retiring from McDonnell Douglas. He filled his time post-retirement travelling extensively with his family, crafting treasured pieces for his grandchildren, and relishing in the peaceful life he and Betty had created.

Ron was a man with many facets. He was smart; math carpentry, and design came naturally to him. He had an eye for beauty, from his wife to the flowers he photographed to the stained glass art and woodwork he created. He played the banjo and whittled. He was one of the only people who enjoyed eating Circus Peanuts and stale Peeps. His sense of humor was sharp and unexpected, and there was some mischief in his laugh that made you think he could have been a trouble maker. His legacy as a loving Christian man will live on through the countless memories and handmade tokens of love he left us with.

SERVICES: A Memorial Mass will be held to celebrate Ron's life on Friday, January 14, 2022 at 11am at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church 6303 Nottingham Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109. Mass will also be live-streamed at www.stgabrielstl.org by clicking on one of the links under Mass Times to watch the live-stream Mass on Facebook or YouTube.

In lieu of flowers, Ron requested donations be made to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) 1810 Craig Rd., St. Louis, MO 63146.