Nancy Catherine Gaertner

MISSOULA ~ Nancy Catherine (Marino) Gaertner, age 86, of Missoula passed away peacefully into the Lord’s hands at St. Patrick’s hospital the evening of December 15 surrounded by her loving family.

Nancy was born in Cleveland, Ohio on June 12, 1939, to parents Joseph and Marion Marino. When she was 9 years old, she heard God’s voice say “I love you”. She then began her search to find out who God was. A neighbor took her to the local Catholic church where she met with the priest who knew just what to do. She eventually entered the local Catholic High School. She not only found our Lord Jesus at an early age but also her adoring husband Timothy A. Gaertner.

Tim and Nancy first met when he was 17 and she was 15. Tim went to pick up her brother Joe for stockcar races 4th of July when he first saw Nancy and asked her to go along with them. Since it was Tim’s car, he insisted Nancy sit up in the front seat with him much to the chagrin of brother Joe and friend Dave. They were inseparable at that point. They continued their walk with God together during the 67 wonderful years of their marriage.

Married on September 6, 1958, they left Cleveland heading west to Burbank, California. After a couple years, they then moved to Redding, California. During that time while on a vacation to Canada, they went through Montana and decided that is where they needed to raise the family. By faith with no job in hand, and six small children they moved to Missoula in 1974. They soon found their home, living up the Rattlesnake, and attending Christian Life Center for the last 45+ years.

Although small in stature, Nancy was a powerful and loving influence on her entire family of 6 children, 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. All are grateful for her effect on their own lives.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Timothy, Missoula; three sons Craig (Cindy) Gaertner, Post Falls, ID, Glenn (Shelly) Gaertner, Missoula, and Timothy (Jacquie) Gaertner, Whitefish. Three daughters Renee (Fred) Woods, Missoula, Andrea (Robert) Chase, Missoula; and Lynette (Rob) Sommerlot, Carmel, CA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Marion and brother Joseph Marino Jr.

A memorial service for Nancy will be held at the Christian Life Center Church in Missoula at 11 am, Friday, December 19th.