Larry Guy Gartner was born on December 21, 1945, in Omaha, Nebraska. He was the first child to Lorraine Alma Bailey and had 4 siblings: Dennis, Ricky, and Donald Glen. Larry was raised and adopted by his grandparents, John Anthony Gartner and Paula Pauketat Gartner.
Larry graduated from Central High in 1963 and got hired at Union Pacific Railroad in 1964, at the age of 18. Larry worked his way up in the company until he was regional manager of BulkTainer. He retired from U.P. in 2001, having worked there for 37 years.
Larry met the love of his life, Claudette Jean West, in a dance hall one night and had an instant connection. Mi vida, mi amor. They got married on May 7, 1970, in Papillion, Nebraska. He loved his new Cruz family and enjoyed the many years of memories they created. Together they raised 4 children: Robert Joseph Gartner (Paula), Rhonda Fay Nelsen (Mike), Lori Ann Grubb (Rick), and John Douglas Gartner (Julie). Larry was blessed with 9 grandchildren: Kayley Huggins (Andrew), Emma Ng, Kristen Marcus (Austin), Justin Gartner, Michael Nelsen, Jordan Gartner, Trevor Nelsen, Jake Gartner, and Jaylee Gartner. As well, he has 3 great-grandchildren: Oliver Huggins, Ian Marcus, and Forrest Huggins. Last year, Larry and Claudette celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary.
The Gartner family moved around the U.S. between Nebraska, California, Kansas, and Texas, before finally settling in Rio Vista, California, where they lived for over 20 years. Larry and Claudette were very active in their Trilogy community, where they made many friends. He especially enjoyed grilling out at the pool house and playing pool with his neighbors. He devoted many hours to collecting trains, model cars, Dreamsicles, and Beanie Babies. His dream was to build outdoor and indoor railroads, but never materialized due to his health. Throughout the years, Larry and Claudette went on 19 cruises! He was hesitant about the first one but that quickly changed because he made so many dear friends; they almost had to drag him off the ship. As well as traveling via cruises, Larry and Claudette liked to take road trips, play at casinos, go sightseeing, and spend time visiting family members. Larry had quite a few bulldogs and macaws that he loved immensely and now gets to cuddle them again in heaven.
In his final years, Larry had a dream of moving to Mobile, Alabama. Larry and Claudette finally made it to Mobile in April 2022. Here he got to spend many months making memories with his family and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed sitting on his patio by the lake enjoying margaritas with his dear friends, Dan and Karen.
Larry was baptized as a baby and reaffirmed his belief and acceptance of Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in July 2021. He went to be with Jesus on February 21, 2023, at The Retreat, Hospice by SAAD, after a long battle with colon cancer. Larry is survived by his wife, 4 children and their spouses, 9 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, godchildren, nieces, nephews, and many other “adopted” family members. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who was loved by many. Larry was truly blessed! Via con Dios.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Mobile First Church of the Nazarene at 10:30 a.m. Central Standard Time on Monday, March 13, 2023.
Larry's service will be livestreamed at mobilefirst.church.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial donations be made to one of the following charities of your choosing:
Boys Town: support.boystown.org
Wounded Warrior Project: support.woundedwarriorproject.org
Mobile First Church of the Nazarene: https://mobilefirst.church/give-1
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