A Funeral Mass for Don Gartner, age 92, of Chambers, Nebraska, will be 10:30 am Friday, October 16, 2020 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill. Burial will be in the O'Neill Cemetery with Military Rites provided by the Chambers American Legion Post 320. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Thursday, October 15, 2020 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a 7 pm Knights of Columbus Rosary. Don passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2020 at Arbor Care Center in O'Neill. Memorial may be directed to the family for future designation. Biglin's Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Anyone who cannot attend the funeral can watch the St. Patrick's live stream at https://holtboydcatholic.org/gartner .

Donald Eugene Gartner was born on September 20, 1928 in Belden, Nebraska to Robert and Mary (Maly) Gartner. He moved with his family to Emmet for a time as his father worked for the Schaffer Ranch. The family eventually settled in the Chambers area, moving to several ranches over the years. Don attended country school for a time, and graduated from Chambers High School in 1945. He worked various jobs until entering the US Army on May 4, 1951. He was honorably discharged on April 24, 1953.

Don met Beverly Miller at the skating rink in Neligh. The couple later married on May 3, 1954 in O'Neill. To this union were born seven children; Randy, Rod, Nancy, Steven, Vicki, Renee, and Todd. The couple lived on several ranches, before purchasing the home place in 1956. Don enjoyed working on his ranch and especially raising Hereford cattle in the early years. He retired in 1999, but never truly gave up his supervisor's position. Don and Beverly were named Grand Marshal of the Nebraska State Fair in 2007.

Don loved to play cards and his grandkids will fondly remember all the ways he used to ensure he would win. He also enjoyed going to grandkids sporting events. He also liked to fish, making several trips to Canada for fishing.

Don was a member of the Chambers American Legion Post 320, St. Patrick's Catholic Church, O'Neill Knights of Columbus. He was also a past member of the Holt County Fair Board, Chambers Rural Fire Department, Niobrara Valley REA Board, and the Holt County Co-op Board.

Don is survived by his wife of 66 years, Beverly Gartner of O'Neill; six children, Randy (Lila) Gartner of Chambers, Rodney (Rita) Gartner of O'Neill, Nancy Bowers of Spencer, Vicki (Denny) Libolt of Chambers, Renee (Charles) Vandersnick of O'Neill, Todd (Andrea) Gartner of Chambers; 15 grandchildren, Matthew (Leslie) Gartner, Anthony Gartner, Hattie (Allen) Burrell, Rachel (Chris) Stacy; Rick (Jenny) Gartner, Lindsey Strong, Alycia (Matt) Harden, Montana (Zach) DeVries, Donna (Schylar) Franssen, Daniel Libolt, Sarah Vandersnick, Traci Vandersnick, Ty Gartner, Tate Gartner, Lizzie Gartner; 19 great grandchildren; four siblings, Mary Lou (Jim) Butts of O'Neill, Betty (Stanley) Watson of O'Neill, Anna (Charles) Porter of Fremont, Bobby Gartner of Chambers; many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary Gartner; one son, Steven Gartner; son-in-law, Larry Bowers; two brothers, Robert Gartner, Leslie Gartner; and in-laws, Kenneth and Lucy Miller.