Photo courtesy of Geo. H. Rohde & Son Funeral Home - Cincinnati
Nov 14, 1932 - Jan 27, 2026
I was very fortunate to know Jack and his family. Jack was a very caring, loving, and gentle person. May God Strengthen and watch over the family. Jack will be missed by all those that knew him.
Sheila Macbeth
February 13, 2026 | Butler, KY | Friend
Gartner Family, we were sorry to hear of Jack's passing. While never having had the pleasure of meeting him, it is clear that his love of the great outdoors, friends, family and community lives on through his children and grandchildren. May his spirit continue to live on through all of you. As requested, we have made a donation to Catholic Inner-City Schools Education in his honor.
Dustin & Jessica Marks
February 13, 2026 | Cincinnati, OH | Friend
The Prologis Family sends our deepest sympathy. As requested by the family, a donation has been made to CISE to honor John's legacy.
Prologis Central Region
February 09, 2026 | Coworker
I had the pleasure of living next door to Ro and Jack at their condo in northern Kentucky. They were always so hospitable and ready to share a meal or conversation. Jack would always have a story or an anecdote to tell, usually with a laugh. I enjoyed chatting with Jack when Matt brought him over to visit the "old" neighborhood. I'll miss those happy times and wish all the family well.
Elaine Semancik
February 05, 2026 | Southgate, KY | Neighbor
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ann Lumb
February 04, 2026 | Cincinnati, OH | Classmate
Thanks to Jack for all the years on the Better Housing League Board.
Charles G Stocker
February 04, 2026 | Blue Ash, OH | Coworker
My sincere condolences to you and your family. May cherished memories bring you comfort.
Catherine & Zach Smith
Catherine Smith
February 03, 2026 | Newport, KY | Coworker
Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with you and your family.
Loren & Polly DeFilippo
Loren DeFilippo
February 03, 2026 | Cincinnati, OH | Coworker
John B. Gartner, Jr. (“Jack”) of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 with his wife, Rosalie (Kennedy) and family by his side.
Jack was born on November 12, 1932, in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late John B. Gartner, Sr. and Julia (Rohs) Gartner. He was a proud graduate of St. Xavier High School and the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP program. After graduation he enjoyed a six-month sabbatical exploring Europe‘s architecture, and returned home to join his father and partners at the architectural firm of Gartner, Burdick and Bauer-Nielsen (Currently GBBN). There he held a variety of positions, ranging from First Co-Op to CEO, and was equally proud of both. Over his 40-year career, he and his partners helped design the ever-changing skyline of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
Jack met his wife of 61 years, Rosalie J. Kennedy of Grand Rapids, MI while in Boyne Mountain MI on a ski trip. In the early years of their marriage, they enjoyed boating and sailing with friends and started their family in Cincinnati, OH, eventually moving to a farm in Hebron, KY overlooking the Ohio River where they raised thoroughbred horses. Retirement brought them to Northern Michigan as well as Longboat Key, FL where Jack and Ro met numerous friends golfing, boating and traveling the world. As a young man, Jack was a caddie at Losantiville Country Club, sparking his love for the game and his long-time membership at Hyde Park Golf and Country Club where he enjoyed making life-long friends. In his earlier years, Jack enjoyed participating in numerous Chicago-to-Mackinaw sailing races, and in his later years, he loved touring people around Clam and Torch Lakes in Michigan in his 1957 Lyman. If you didn’t find him on the golf course or on the water, he was tending to his gardens.
He is survived by three sons John B. Gartner III (Camille) of Cincinnati, OH; Timothy J. Gartner of Crystal Lake, IL; Matthew M. Gartner (Kathryn) of Erlanger, KY; and Amy J. Gartner, of Nashville, TN.
Pops was famous for teaching math to his grandchildren using his favorite candy, Raisinets, and playing cards with them at the lake: Abby, Jack, Caroline, Will (deceased, but forever in our hearts), Adelaide, Maggie, Margaret, Patrick, Frances and Michael Gartner.
The family would like to thank the special care provided to Jack. First and foremost, his wife Ro; Sheila MacBeth; The Kenwood Senior Star and Hospice of Cincinnati.
Funeral: A memorial mass celebrating Jack’s life will be held on Saturday February 14, 2026 at 10:30 AM, at Christ the King Church, 3223 Linwood Ave Cincinnati, OH. Friends are welcome to visit the family at the church prior to mass beginning at 9:00 AM.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, those planning on sharing an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Catholic Inner-City Schools Education (CISE) - CISE | Catholic Education Scholarships in Cincinnati
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