The lights in the concert hall have dimmed because Hans Gartner, Jr. passed away February 20th at the Hospice Care Center on Ridgewood Rd.
Born in 1915 in New York City, he was an accompli- shed musician who's love of music was a gift he gave freely to all who came in contact with him.
He played violin in the Akron Symphony Orchestra, had his own dance band and played with other bands throughout the Akron area. He was a member of the American Federation of Musicians since 1937. He was a graduate of the Great Lake College of Massotherapy and brought his healing powers to many clients for 50 years.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Madeline and brother, Walter. He is survived by his daughter, Beverly (Jim) Mazak; sons, Jon (Diana) Gartner and Richard (Denise) Gartner. He was the proud grandfather of David, Jill, Jeffrey, Kristen, Erich, Amanda, Sarah, Tammy and Richard, Jr.; 14 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Marion; cousin, Lynn and his loyal dog, Spitzer.
He was a member of Community Church of Christ and enjoyed his friendship with Denny and Bob. His family wishes to thank his devoted and loving neighbors, Lisa, Diana, Jennifer, Aleena and caretaker, Pam. We will never forget your care and kindness.
His second family was the Akron Pops Orchestra which he conducted for 46 years of which he was most proud. He will always be remembered for his jokes and story telling that brought smiles and laughter to his audiences.
But at last the Maestro has layed down his baton and all who had the pleasure to know him will miss him dearly.
A memorial service will be held 8 p.m. FRIDAYat the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., with Rev. Dennis Cunningham officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home FRIDAY from 5 p.m. until the service at 8 p.m. Private family inurnment will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Akron Pops Orchestra, c/o David Babich, 1367 Steve Dr., Akron, Ohio 443319; The Hospice Care Center, 3358 Ridgewood Rd., Akron, OH 44333 or the Humane Society of Greater Akron, 4904 Quick Rd., Peninsula, Ohio 44264-9704. (Billow, FAIRLAWN Chapel)

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Helena (Lynn) Gartner-Lawrence
May 18, 2008
My first memories of my cousin and his wife, Hans & Madi Gartner were when they lived in a white house on a hill, believe it was around 1948 when we were moving to Arizona. That is where I learned to ride a bicycle. Playing with Beverly, Jon and Richard, my brother Ernie put me on the bike and shoved it down the hill. It was either crash into a car or fall. Quess what I took.
After Hans and Madi moved to the big house Exchange Street, our visits included lots of family dinners, trips to hear Doctor's Orchestra and to concerts at different locations.
Last year when Gary and I visited Hans, he showed me how to play the piano. Along with that and the violin, I wonder what else he played?
Speaking of massage, when I was in my twenties, he told me he was going to "crack" my neck. I was so frightened, I froze and could'nt move it for two days. Lot's of laughs. Hans always had a new joke and to my knowledge, never repeated the same one twice.
Jim Arnold
April 8, 2008
Like so many others Hans took care of me and became a friend. We were thrilled when attended our wedding reception. While we mourn his passing I realize we'd be lucky to have the quality of life and outlook he possessed. I've posted a portrait and a few other pictures with a small tribute to Hans at http://www.jimarnold.org/blog/2008/04/hans-gartner/
Larry Karasek, LMT
March 17, 2008
The Maestro is now with the biggest and best band ever. He touched the lives and hearts of so many folks. He made me laugh every time I went to him for a great massage. His healling touch inspired me to become a Licensed Massage Therapist (Jan. 2005). He will be missed by many, especially his loving family who he spoke so highly of. My prayers are now with all his family and friends.
Brenda Bennett
March 6, 2008
I was saddened to hear of Hans passing. My condolences to his family. I met Hans 30 years ago and he has taken care of my back off and on thru the years. I always said his 45 minute treatments were pure ecstasy. He treated 3 generations of my family. I will miss his wit and the jokes he could rattle off, faster than I could possibly remember them. I will always think of him fondly
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Margie Steffensen
March 4, 2008
My deepest sympathies go out to the family of Hans......a dear friend for all of my life. Those of us who had the pleasure of enjoying his music regularly and who knew him will miss him dearly. I attended the Community of Christ church with Hans, and also shared the same birth month and day (December 30). We enjoyed sharing our "Happy Birthdays" together for many years. I know the angels have gained a wonderful maestro for their heavenly orchestra.....we shall miss him.
Erich Gartner
February 28, 2008
"Music is well said to be the speech of angels."
-Thomas Carlyle
Thank you for the everlasting love and encouragement. Farewell and Godspeed Grandpa.
Bob Hrovat
February 28, 2008
I've shared more laughs and insults with Hans than can be counted during the 28 years we've been friends. I've saved everything he's ever mailed or given to me, realizing that someday I'll hold them and laugh again in his honor. I hope someday that my friends will remember me with the same happy memories that I will have with Hans. I have introduced him to everyone in my family and hundreds of friends at our annual get together. One year he spent the entire party cracking necks! He even let me introduce him to everyone as the oldest person I know at 102 years old. He would always correct me and then say that he was really 103. I'll miss his quick wit, friendly candor and fatherly advice. He appears in my personality daily. My condolences to his family. Although we've never met, Hans talked about you whenever we were together. You are a great family - reflective of the attractive and outstanding character so obvious in Hans. May you also have the same great memories to brighten your day and lives.
Denver Carte
February 26, 2008
Id like to express my sympathy to the family and friends of Hans, I never knew him personally, but worked with his son Richard for a few years at AGMC and really enjoyed working with him, just letting you all know your in my thiughts and prayers.
Bob Gailey
February 24, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy to the family of Hans.I knew him for just a few years from Cuyahoga Falls Community Band.I played tenor sax beside him.He always had at least three jokes each week.He would have the whole section laughing.He may have been in his 90's but his mind and sense of humor were years younger.I enjoyed playing alongside him.The section is missing agreat player and friend.
Gene & Sara Pugh
February 23, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to the loving family of Hans. My former husband, Len Criss worked with him at Goodyear Research for many years. We enjoyed social gatherings with Madeline and him as we joined with mutual friends for good times, especially at holidays. Both were always a delight to be with. We were honored when he and his band provided, with great elegance, the music for our daughter Sheri's beautiful wedding at Stan Hywet, when she married Dr. Keith Bingham, thirty-five years ago.
Dr. Bingham would become the veterinarian for Han's many beloved pets throughout the years.
Han's worked on Gene's back for years following a skiing accident. Our reasons for loving and admiring this multi-talented man are many.
May GOD bless you, and hold you in the palm of HIS hand.
Gene & Sara Pugh
Fairlawn, Ohio
Marie Karl
February 23, 2008
The angels have a new musical leader. God Rest his soul.
John H Ramey
February 22, 2008
Our sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Hans Gartner. I had the wonderful opportunity to know him for the last 18 years in the Cuyahoga Falls Community Band. He usually sat directly in front of me. I enjoyed his jokes, musicianship, and friendliness. He lived about a mile from us on the west side where we occasionally saw him. We miss him and will remember him. We thank Hans for his contribution to and enjoyment of life.
Kim Castle
February 22, 2008
My prayers are with you. Hans was a wonderful man who truly enjoyed life. I feel blessed to have met him. It was an honor for me to call him friend. He will be deeply missed.
Ella Sue Gailey
February 22, 2008
I only knew Hans through my husband playing with the Summit Winds for the past few years, but he was always a delightful man with a quick wit and a great sense of humor. Although I did not know him well, I will miss seeing him sitting there beside my husband during the summer concerts. All my condolences and prayers go out to his entire family.
Bill and Linda Penix
February 22, 2008
Beverly and Jim,
Bill and I are sad to hear about your father. He was a special person that will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Debbie Gerbetz
February 22, 2008
My condolences to Han's family. He was a wonderful man. I will always miss his jokes and smiles. I will never forget being with him at band practice and looking over at him and laughing almost uncontrollably while he made silly faces. He made a difficult day at work melt away with his laughter and hugs. I will always miss him.
Jody Eshelman, ND
February 22, 2008
Hans was my very good and dear friend for more than 30 years, and I'm going to miss him a lot. He was a wonderful person to know... Someone I'll never forget. He was a great inspiration to me.
Flora Rudlof
February 22, 2008
The Maestro might be gone,but his music will live on in all the members of the Community of Christ who were so lucky to have known him!
We will feel the lose so deeply felt by many and know he's playing the volin for the angels now!
The Staff of Billow Funeral Homes
February 22, 2008
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
Ed Tultz
February 21, 2008
Dear Beverly and Jim,
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to you with the loss of your father. The short time I spent with him during the end of the summer while painting his windows was very meaningfull to me. There were a number of times after I had finished for the eveining that Hans and I sat at his little table in the kitchen and talked, sometimes for an hour or more. It broke my heart when I saw his picture in the paper this morning. I had been meaning to stop by to say hello to him but always seemed too busy to take the time. Getting to know Hans was a privelege to me.
Once again my deepest sympathy goes out to you.
Sincerely,
Ed Tultz
Bob Cook
February 21, 2008
My late Mom was a patient of Dr. Gartner's for many, many years, and often credited him with keeping her going. He's even gotten me back in shape a time or two when I was visiting Ohio over the years from my home in Hawaii. Our family was honored to have him at Mom's memorial service. He lived a great and long life. Aloha Dr. G.....
Anita Miller
February 21, 2008
My condolences go out to the family of Hans Gartner. I knew Hans my whole life through the different bands/orchestras that he was a part of, along with my father. I will never forget his jokes at the Pops concerts. He was always so happy and a kind heart. Our dear Hansie will be missed tremendously!
Ernie Gartner
February 21, 2008
We will miss the phone calls and all your jokes. You had such a zest for life and lived it to the fullest! Our deepest sympathy and love to Jon, Richard and their families. Your cousin Ernie and wife Cleo
Mike Fath
February 21, 2008
Dear family of Hans Gartner,
I was sorry tohear about the passing of Hans, and wanted to send my sincere sympathy for your loss.
I was research chemist at Goodyear Research and knew Hans when he headed the test lab there in the late 60's. I also played in the Goodyear concert band, and he and I spent more time talking about music than about rubber testing. His lively sense of humor made him special to everyone who knew him at Goodyear, but our musical links made him a very good friend and mentor to me. He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Funeral services provided by:
Billow's Funeral Homes & Crematory - Fairlawn Chapel85 North Miller Road, Akron, OH 44333

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