Robert Gartner

Funeral Services for Robert Gartner, age 83, of Chambers will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill. Fr. Ross Burkhalter will officiate. A Luncheon will follow at Handlebend. Inurnment will be at a later date in the O'Neill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Friday, October 10, 2025 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a 7 pm Rosary. Robert passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at Accura Care Center in O'Neill. Memorials may be directed to his family for future designation. Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Robert Dean Gartner Jr. was born June 30, 1942 in O'Neill, Nebraska to Robert and Mary (Maly) Gartner. He joined his family on a ranch south of Emmet for a time as his father worked for the Schaffer Ranch. The family eventually settled in the Chambers area after moving to several ranches over the years. Bob attended country school through the eighth grade and then attended high school at Chambers Public Schools. Throughout high school, Bob loved sports and participated in football, basketball, and was also a long distance running and thrower on the track team. Robert graduated with the class of 1960.

After graduating, Bob ranched with his family until 1965, when he attended college in Dallas for radio technology engineering. He later returned to Chambers and worked various jobs, but ultimately being a farmer and rancher was his life's calling. In 2007, Robert started South Fork Seed and enjoyed working with his sons. Bob never truly retired, he slowed down due to health reasons and assumed the role of family consultant.

Bob loved to go hunting, trapping, and fishing. He particularly enjoyed hunting bobcats and fishing at Spencer Dam. Bob had many talents, including woodworking, overhauling tractors and cars, and welding. Some of his happiest days were spent at the lake, waterskiing and tubing with family and friends. These moments brought him immense joy and created lasting memories he cherished deeply.

He was a devoted member of AA for over 38 years. It was his passion to help people overcome their addictions, one day at a time, and he would travel just about anywhere to assist someone in need. He is known throughout the AA community for his motto of, "Happy, Joyous, and Free", and he did his best to live by these words every single day.

Bob is survived by his children, Ronald Gartner and his family, Sharon Jones and her family, Billy Gartner and his family, Lori Persson and her family, Chrystal Curtis of Atkinson, Robby (Andrea) Gartner of Chambers, Jessie (Grace) Matthews of O'Neill, Cody Gartner of O'Neill; long time best friend, Roxanne Rustemeyer-Gartner; seven grandchildren, Ashley (Ryan) Bromwich, Natasha (Jordan) Johnson, Ceara Curtis, Levi Curtis, Austin Johnson, Jaci Johnson, William Gartner, Archer Matthews, Penelope Gartner; five great grandchildren; his sister, Betty Watson of O'Neill; brother-in-law, Charles Porter of Fremont; many nieces and nephews; and his shop cat, Blackbird.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Jarod Bromwich; his granddaughter, Autumn Matthews; five siblings, Leslie Gartner, Donald (Beverly) Gartner, Robert V. Gartner, Mary Lou (James) Butts, Anna Mae Porter; and brother-in-law, Stan Watson.