Wendell Gaertner

Wendell Gaertner died November 29, 2021, in Tampa, at the age of 90. Born in Yugoslavia, his family was displaced during the war. He learned the woodworking trade in Germany and emigrated to the United States in 1952. He settled in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida and became a naturalized citizen in 1959. Wendell married Paula Dolar in 1960 and they raised five children. He was a charter member of the Home Builders Association of Lake County and was a Building Contractor in Lake County for over 55 years. Numerous homes he designed and constructed still stand throughout Lake County, and his works of furniture adorn many homes across the country. Wendell and Paula have resided in Tampa since 2012.

Wendell is preceded in death by his parents George and Maria Gaertner, brothers Joe Gaertner and George Gaertner, and daughter Katherine Gaertner Upchurch (Frank). He is survived by his wife Paula, children Wendell G. Gaertner (Corinne), Cynthia Gaertner-Bridges (Bruce), Sue Powell (Steve), and Michael Gaertner (Michelle), sister Annaliese Matlack, brother Franz Gaertner (Joyce), ten grandchildren, and 24 nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service followed by a reception will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Tampa, Florida, at 2pm on Friday, February 11, 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to LifePath Hospice in Tampa.