Ralph Kenneth Gaertner

Ralph was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on January 5, 1934 to Arthur and Grace Alexander Gaertner. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his daughter Melissa Helmandollar, and two brothers, Edwin and Arthur Gaertner.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Doris Gaertner; a son John Gaertner and wife Stephanie; along with five grandchildren, Tiffany Helmandollar, Crystal Lambert, Jessica Hanshaw, Kristen Gaertner and Jonathan Gaertner; as well as eight great grandchildren; one sister, Marion Davis; two brothers, Louis Gaertner and wife Marlene, and Ronald Gaertner and wife Jean, all of Pittsburgh.

Ralph is a veteran of the United States Marine Corp, having served during the Korean War.

He is a retired Captain with the Quantico Fire Department and a Charter Life member with the Rockhill Vol. Fire Department where he was a past Chief and President.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, June 8 from 6-8 pm at Mullins & Thompson Funeral Home 186 Shelton Shop Road Stafford VA 22554. A funeral service will be conducted at 12 pm on Thursday, June 9 at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church in Stafford. Interment will follow at Quantico National Cemetery.

The family asks that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to the Rockhill Vol. Fire Department 2133 Garrisonville Road Stafford, VA 22556-3506 (540) 752-0200.